The death toll from the dual earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 3,535, as per authorities’ latest update on Monday. Over 18,000 individuals are still without homes more than a week post the calamity that hit Caracas and nearby coastal regions.
Jorge Rodriguez, a prominent legislator, revealed that the most recent official count indicates 16,740 people have been wounded, with 17,854 individuals lacking proper housing following the powerful quakes on June 24 measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring almost simultaneously.
The updated numbers highlight the extensive impact of the disaster in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal area bearing the brunt of the devastation, as concerns grow over the government’s handling of the crisis.
Venezuela’s social vice-presidency disclosed that approximately 12,800 individuals are currently housed in 80 shelters dispersed 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, emphasized the escalating health hazards in these temporary facilities such as overcrowding, limited ventilation, compromised access to safe drinking water, sanitation issues, and improper food and waste management.
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government’s response to the disaster despite increasing dissatisfaction among Venezuelans who perceive the reaction as belated and insufficient. International humanitarian organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, have also criticized the government’s efforts.
Security forces were promptly dispatched following the earthquakes, with the announcement of a new military unit formation to enhance preparedness for future emergencies and disasters.
In La Guaira, witnesses observed trucks and forensic personnel transporting coffins, while graves were being dug in a designated area marked by white crosses for burying the deceased. Photos from Spanish newspaper El Pais illustrated some graves labeled with names while others were denoted by numbers.
To manage the surge in casualties, PAHO and the World Health Organization have provided technical guidance, body bags, and three refrigerated containers for body storage at the La Guaira port, along with two crematoriums at different locations.
The United Nations mentioned ongoing efforts to intensify aid operations in collaboration with the Caracas government. Search and rescue teams are still active in affected regions, complemented by specialized engineering teams and medical support arriving to assist.
National health authorities are deliberating targeted vaccination campaigns in temporary shelters, considering risks, vaccine availability, and national protocols, as stated by Cerpa.
