Venezuela opens new Caracas shelters to vacate earthquake-affected schools

Venezuelan authorities have announced the opening of new temporary accommodation spaces at the Poliedro and the Estadio Monumental in Caracas to house families displaced by recent earthquakes. The initiative aims to vacate 67 schools currently serving as shelters to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year in September.

The new facilities have a combined capacity for 1,223 people and will provide food, healthcare, and social support. This move is part of a broader emergency reorganization following the June 24 earthquakes, which killed 6,509 people and caused significant structural damage to approximately 900 schools. The United Nations has estimated direct physical damages at $37 billion.

To address long-term housing needs, the government is executing several construction projects, including 3,000 temporary homes in Ciudad Caribia and 3,000 housing solutions in Catia La Mar. Additionally, officials are working on acquiring properties through the secondary market and completing existing urban developments under the Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela program.