Caracas / New York, 29 June - As affected communities cope with the loss and devastation caused by the earthquakes, clearing debris is a critical first step toward recovery. An estimated 1.2 million tonnes of debris resulted from the June 24 earthquakes across the hardest-hit areas of La Guaira state, according to a preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This analysis is intended to help authorities with debris removal and recovery efforts. For families and communities in affected aras, clearing debris is the first step toward restoring access, reopening essential services, and beginning the process of recovery. 

Produced using RAPIDA, UNDP's rapid assessment tool, the analysis combines satellite imagery, AI-based building damage assessments, building footprint and height data, and local engineering expertise to estimate debris volumes. These estimates are designed to support the planning of debris removal, transportation, temporary storage, and final disposal operations, enabling faster restoration of access, rehabilitation of essential services, and the transition toward recovery and reconstruction.

Of the total 1.2 million tonnes debris, approximately 915,000 tonnes are considered to be from damaged buildings, while 332,000 tonnes from household goods and personal belongings. The highest volumes are concentrated in the areas of Catia La Mar, Caraballeda, and Urimare, indicating priority areas for debris management.

"Early recovery is about restoring human dignity. Every tonne of debris represents lives disrupted and communities facing enormous challenges. Rehabilitating infrastructure is essential to improve daily living conditions, social cohesion, and local economies”, said Luis Francisco Thais, UNDP Resident Representative in Venezuela. “Clearing debris is much more than removing rubble—it restores access, enables services to resume, and creates the conditions for people to begin rebuilding their lives. By turning satellite data into actionable insights, we can help national authorities prioritize recovery efforts, and restore essential services, so schools, hospitals and local businesses can return to service”, Thais added.

UNDP is working alongside national authorities and partners to support recovery efforts that restore livelihoods, reduce risks, and strengthen resilience. This includes integrated debris management—including sorting, recycling, and reuse where feasible—exploring temporary employment opportunities for affected communities, and supporting development of reconstruction strategies that incorporate disaster risk reduction.

The information presented is preliminary, based on the latest available building damage assessments, and will be updated as new satellite imagery, technical validation, and field assessments become available. 

UNDP's support is provided at the request of and in partnership with the national authorities, and in coordination with the United Nations system in the country, contributing to an inclusive, resilient, and people-centered recovery.