The death toll resulting from the dual earthquakes in Venezuela has now climbed to 3,535, as disclosed by authorities on Monday. After more than a week since the disaster struck the capital and nearby coastal areas, nearly 18,000 individuals are still without homes. According to top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez, the most recent official figures indicate 16,740 people have been injured, with 17,854 individuals left homeless following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that occurred almost simultaneously on June 24.
The updated statistics highlight the extent of the catastrophe in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal region that suffered the most significant impact, as criticisms grow regarding the government’s handling of the situation. The social vice-presidency of Venezuela reported 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 (PAHO) in Washington, raised concerns about the escalating health risks within these temporary accommodations. He emphasized that the health threats stem from overcrowding, poor ventilation, limited access to clean water, sanitation challenges, and inadequate food and waste management.
Immediate priorities, as highlighted by Cerpa, include addressing various health issues such as 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 response to the disaster, despite mounting frustration from the Venezuelan populace and criticisms from global humanitarian organizations like the International Rescue Committee.
Rodriguez announced the immediate deployment of security forces following the earthquakes and the establishment of a new military unit to enhance the response to future emergencies and disasters. U.S. chargé d’affaires in Caracas John Barrett commended Venezuela for its full cooperation with U.S. humanitarian assistance requests and pledged ongoing initiatives to mobilize international response teams to aid affected communities.
In La Guaira, witnesses observed trucks and forensic workers transporting coffins while authorities buried bodies in a marked area with white crosses. Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication and Information has not yet responded to requests for comments. Photos published by the Spanish newspaper El Pais depicted graves labeled with names and numbers.
To manage the increasing number of casualties, PAHO and the World Health Organization have provided technical guidance, body bags, and three refrigerated containers for body management at the port of La Guaira, along with two crematoriums at other locations. The United Nations continues to escalate aid operations in collaboration with the Caracas government, with ongoing search and rescue efforts and specialized medical support.
National health authorities are currently assessing targeted vaccination campaigns in temporary shelters based on risk assessments, vaccine availability, and national guidelines, according to Cerpa.