The death toll resulting from the dual earthquakes in Venezuela has now reached 3,535, as reported by authorities on Monday. Over 18,000 individuals are currently without homes more than a week after the tragic events that struck the capital and nearby coastal regions.
According to top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez, the most recent official count indicates 16,740 individuals have been injured, with 17,854 people left homeless following the quakes on June 24, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred within moments of each other.
The updated statistics highlight the extensive impact of the disaster in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal area that bore the brunt of the devastation, amid growing criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.
The social vice-presidency of Venezuela stated that approximately 12,800 individuals are currently housed in 80 shelters spread 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, expressed concerns about the escalating health risks within these temporary accommodations.
“The health risks include issues such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, limited access to safe drinking water, sanitation problems, and inadequate food and waste management,” he remarked.
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Cerpa highlighted immediate priorities that include addressing respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, wound infections, dengue, as well as vaccine-preventable diseases like tetanus, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio.
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez has stood by the government’s response to the disaster, despite mounting frustration among Venezuelans who have criticized the delayed and insufficient reaction. Global humanitarian organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, have also voiced concerns over the government’s response.
Rodriguez announced the swift 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, informed journalists on Tuesday that