The death toll resulting from the dual earthquakes in Venezuela has now climbed to 3,535, as confirmed by authorities on Monday. Additionally, nearly 18,000 individuals are currently without homes over a week after the calamity struck Caracas and the nearby coastal regions. According to top legislator Jorge Rodriguez, official reports indicate 16,740 people have sustained injuries, with 17,854 individuals left homeless following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that occurred in quick succession on June 24.
These updated figures highlight the magnitude of the catastrophe in Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal area most severely affected, amid growing criticism regarding the government’s response. Venezuela’s social vice-presidency reported that approximately 12,800 individuals are seeking refuge in 80 shelters scattered across Caracas and La Guaira.
Dr. Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an advisor at the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington, cautioned about the escalating health risks within these temporary shelters. He emphasized concerns such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, compromised access to safe water, sanitation challenges, and inadequate management of food and waste.
Immediate priorities, as highlighted by Cerpa, include addressing respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, wound infections, dengue, and preventable diseases like tetanus, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio. Acting president Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government’s handling of the crisis despite mounting frustration among Venezuelans who criticize the delayed and insufficient response. International humanitarian organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, have also condemned the government’s actions.
Rodriguez announced the immediate deployment of security forces following the earthquakes and unveiled plans for a new military unit dedicated to addressing future emergencies and disasters. U.S. chargé d’affaires in Caracas, John Barrett, commended Venezuela’s cooperation with U.S. requests to enhance the humanitarian response, emphasizing ongoing efforts to mobilize international aid to reach affected communities.
In La Guaira, witnesses observed trucks and forensic workers transporting coffins while machinery dug trenches in a designated area adorned with white crosses for the burial of the deceased. The Ministry of Communication and Information in Venezuela has not yet responded to requests for comments on the situation.
To manage the surge in casualties, PAHO and the World Health Organization have provided technical guidance, body bags, and set up three refrigerated containers for body storage at the La Guaira port, along with two crematoriums in other locations. The United Nations continues to escalate aid operations in collaboration with the Caracas government, with ongoing search and rescue missions, specialized engineering teams, and medical support being dispatched to the affected regions.
National health authorities are currently assessing targeted vaccination campaigns in the temporary shelters based on risk assessments, vaccine availability, and national health protocols.