The death toll resulting from the dual earthquakes in Venezuela has now reached 3,535, as reported by authorities on Monday. Over a week since the disaster struck the capital and nearby coastal regions, almost 18,000 individuals are still without homes. Jorge Rodriguez, a prominent lawmaker, revealed that the most recent official count indicates 16,740 people have been injured, with 17,854 left displaced following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that occurred almost simultaneously on June 24.
The updated statistics highlight the extensive impact of the catastrophe in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal area most severely affected, as criticism grows concerning the government’s handling of the situation. Venezuela’s social vice-presidency stated that approximately 12,800 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, cautioned about the escalating health threats within these temporary accommodations, such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, and other communicable illnesses. Acting president Delcy Rodriguez defended the government’s response, despite mounting dissatisfaction among Venezuelans and global humanitarian organizations over what has been perceived as delayed and insufficient aid efforts.
In response to the earthquakes, security forces were promptly dispatched, and a new military unit has been established to enhance readiness for future emergencies and disasters. In La Guaira, witnesses observed trucks and forensic teams overseeing burials of victims, with some graves marked with names and others with numbers. International assistance has been provided by PAHO and the World Health Organization to manage the deceased, including technical guidance, body bags, refrigerated containers, and additional resources.
The United Nations continues to escalate relief operations in collaboration with the Caracas government, deploying search and rescue teams, engineering specialists, and medical support to the impacted regions. National health authorities are considering targeted vaccination campaigns in the temporary shelters based on risk assessments and available vaccines. U.S. chargé d’affaires in Caracas, John Barrett, confirmed that Venezuela has been cooperative in response efforts, acknowledging the need for a substantial humanitarian response to aid affected communities.