# Venezuela earthquake recovery and gold asset dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-diplomatic-and-security-developments
> Updated: 2026-08-27T15:01:36.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 3.

The Venezuelan government is intensifying recovery efforts following the June 24 earthquakes, which recorded magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, resulting in over 6,400 deaths and an estimated $6.7 billion in damages. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported that 1,019 schools were affected, prompting a national rehabilitation plan involving 18,000 workers to facilitate the safe return of students to classrooms.

To fund this reconstruction, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez stated that if Venezuela recovers approximately 31 tons of gold currently held in the Bank of England—valued at over $1.2 billion—the proceeds will be used entirely to assist earthquake victims and address national needs. The government has formally requested the release of these funds through correspondence with King Charles III.

Diplomatic activities continue to expand. The National Assembly approved the appointment of Ramón Gordils as the new ambassador to Egypt, with concurrent representation for Eritrea, Sudan, and the League of Arab States. This follows previous diplomatic moves, such as the reception of the new Dutch Ambassador, Carmen Gonsalves.

Simultaneously, the government and the United Nations are transitioning from emergency seismic response toward a long-term framework for sustainable development and social protection, building upon existing cooperation with the World Food Programme and the Pan American Health Organization. Recovery efforts also include managing controlled demolitions of unstable structures.

## Claims

- Jorge Rodríguez stated that recovered gold from the Bank of England would be used to aid earthquake victims and Venezuelan citizens. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The death toll from the earthquakes has exceeded 6,400 people. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Bank of England holds approximately 31 tons of Venezuelan gold, valued at over $1.2 billion. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 1,019 schools were affected by the earthquakes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The National Assembly appointed Ramón Gordils as the new ambassador to Egypt. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Direct physical damages from the earthquakes are estimated at approximately $6.7 billion. (single source)
- Venezuela and the UN are transitioning from emergency seismic response to long-term development cooperation. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Venezuela seeks recovery of UK-held gold to fund earthquake relief

Venezuela aims to use $1.2 billion in gold held in the UK to fund earthquake recovery efforts following deadly seismic events. The nation is also transitioning to long-term UN development cooperation.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-strengthens-diplomatic-ties-with-netherlands-and-un

### 2026-08-25: Venezuela implements new security plan and receives Dutch Ambassador

Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez announced the removal of urban police checkpoints in favor of mobile patrolling, while also receiving the Dutch Ambassador and meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-attorney-general-supports-removal-of-urban-police-checkpoints

### 2026-08-20: Venezuela reaffirms commitment to UN technical cooperation

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia received the new UN resident coordinator, Álvaro Rodríguez, to reaffirm technical cooperation and discuss recovery efforts following recent seismic activity.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-reaffirms-commitment-to-un-technical-cooperation

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Cite as: Venezuela earthquake recovery and gold asset dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-diplomatic-and-security-developments