IMF Releases $346 Million to Venezuela for Earthquake Recovery Efforts

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released $346 million (approximately R$ 1.77 billion) to Venezuela, intended for the reconstruction of areas devastated by a recent earthquake. This access to previously frozen funds marks a resumption of relations between the IMF and Venezuela, which had been suspended since 2019. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez stated that these funds will be crucial for supporting affected families with housing, infrastructure, and essential public services. The announcement comes three weeks after a powerful double earthquake struck the country, resulting in a confirmed death toll of over 5,069 people. In addition to the fatalities, the disaster has left more than 21,000 people displaced and living in precarious conditions in makeshift camps. Many buildings collapsed, with significant damage reported in the coastal state of La Guaira. Families are experiencing immense distress as they continue to search for loved ones trapped under the rubble, often facing difficulties in recovering bodies without state assistance. Some families have resorted to hiring private individuals or renting equipment to find and retrieve deceased relatives, with reports of significant costs associated with these efforts. Rodríguez has assured that the government is committed to locating and identifying all victims, vowing that "no one will go to a common grave."