Venezuela schools reopen amid earthquake recovery and safety fears

Schools in Venezuela have begun reopening following two powerful earthquakes on June 24, which measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The seismic events, the strongest recorded in the country in over a century, resulted in more than 6,500 deaths and left approximately 17,900 people homeless.

In the state of La Guaira, located near Caracas, student attendance has been low due to fears of aftershocks, with over 2,000 recorded. Many educational facilities were damaged, and roughly 60 schools have been repurposed as shelters for displaced populations. Official data indicates that 80 schools suffered structural damage, while 900 others were affected across the country.

While interim President Delcy Rodríguez stated that over 6 million students have returned to classes nationwide, local educators in heavily impacted areas like Caraballeda expect a progressive return as they work to reassure parents regarding the safety of school buildings. The reopening occurs against a backdrop of pre-existing infrastructure challenges, including water shortages and frequent power outages.