INTERNAL BRIEFING — CRISIS MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Following the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude seismic events in Venezuela on June 26, 2026, which resulted in approximately 920 confirmed fatalities and widespread structural collapse across Caracas and coastal municipalities, the United Nations has convened an extraordinary session to establish standardised earthquake response frameworks.
The International Coordination Task Force on Seismic Event Management will convene at the Montego Bay Resort and Conference Centre on July 15. Preliminary agenda items include the development of unified terminology for building damage classification, the creation of a 47-member subcommittee to review existing protocols from 2019, and a working lunch featuring local cuisine.
Meanwhile, rescue operations in Venezuela continue with limited resources. International teams have begun arrival, though coordination protocols remain under review pending the outcome of the July summit. The task force has determined that establishing consistent definitions for terms such as “partially collapsed” and “rescue priority zone” will strengthen future disaster response capabilities.
Key outcomes from the summit will inform a white paper to be distributed to member states by Q4 2027. A secondary committee has been tasked with determining whether the white paper should be printed on recycled paper, a decision expected to conclude by early 2028.
All participating delegations have confirmed attendance. Hotel arrangements have been secured through September.