The death toll resulting from the twin earthquakes in Venezuela has now reached 3,535, as reported by authorities on Monday. Over a week after the disaster struck the capital and nearby coastal areas, nearly 18,000 individuals are without homes. Top legislator Jorge Rodriguez disclosed that the most recent official count indicated 16,740 individuals were injured, with 17,854 left homeless following the quakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred in quick succession.
The updated figures emphasize the extensive impact of the disaster in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal region that suffered the most. Venezuela’s social vice-presidency noted that approximately 12,800 people are being housed in 80 shelters across Caracas and La Guaira. Dr. Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an advisor to the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington, highlighted the escalating health risks within these temporary facilities, including concerns such as overcrowding, ventilation limitations, water safety issues, and inadequate food and waste management.
Immediate priorities, according to Cerpa, involve addressing health issues like respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, and vaccine-preventable illnesses such as tetanus, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio. Acting president Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government’s response to the disaster, despite increasing dissatisfaction among Venezuelans who have criticized the timeliness and adequacy of the actions taken. Global humanitarian organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, have also voiced concerns about the government’s handling of the situation.
Rodriguez announced the immediate deployment of security forces after the earthquakes and the establishment of a new military unit to enhance preparedness for future emergencies and disasters. U.S. chargé d’affaires in Caracas, John Barrett, confirmed on Tuesday that Venezuela has been cooperating fully with U.S. requests to support the humanitarian response. Barrett reiterated his confidence in local authorities and assured that initiatives are underway to mobilize international response teams to assist communities in need.
In La Guaira, witnesses observed trucks and forensic personnel transporting coffins as authorities buried bodies in an open area marked by white crosses. The Ministry of Communication and Information of Venezuela did not respond immediately to requests for comments. Photos from Spanish newspaper El Pais depicted graves with names and numerical markings.
To manage the increased number of casualties, PAHO and the World Health Organization have provided technical guidance, body bags, and refrigerated containers for body storage at the port of La Guaira. Cerpa mentioned that specialized medical teams and engineering support continue to arrive in the affected areas. National health authorities are evaluating vaccination campaigns in temporary shelters based on risk assessments, vaccine availability, and national guidelines.
The United Nations is collaborating with the Venezuelan government to intensify aid operations, with search and rescue teams and medical support teams actively involved in the affected regions. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric informed reporters on Monday about the ongoing aid efforts coordinated with authorities in Caracas.