Venezuela’s recent series of earthquakes has resulted in a death toll of 3,535 individuals, with nearly 18,000 people left homeless in the aftermath. According to top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez, official reports indicate 16,740 injuries and 17,854 individuals without shelter following the back-to-back quakes on June 24, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
The impact of the disaster in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the heavily affected coastal region, is evident with the latest figures. Venezuela’s social vice-presidency reported that around 12,800 displaced individuals are currently housed in 80 shelters across Caracas and La Guaira.
Dr. Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an advisor at the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, highlighted critical health risks in these temporary facilities, such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, water and sanitation challenges, and inadequate food and waste management.
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez defended the government’s response to the crisis amidst mounting public dissatisfaction and criticism from global humanitarian organizations like the International Rescue Committee. Security forces were promptly deployed after the earthquakes, and a new military unit was established to enhance emergency response capabilities.
In La Guaira, burial operations for earthquake victims were observed on Monday, with trucks transporting coffins and workers preparing graves marked by white crosses. Assistance from international bodies like PAHO and the World Health Organization has been crucial in managing the deceased, providing technical support, body bags, refrigerated containers, and crematorium services.
The United Nations continues to intensify relief efforts in collaboration with the Venezuelan government, with ongoing search and rescue missions, engineering teams, and medical support operations in the affected regions. National health authorities are considering targeted vaccination campaigns in temporary shelters based on risk assessments and vaccine availability.
