PAHO says health emergency in Venezuela earthquakes critical

The Pan American Health Organization warned on Thursday, July 9, that the public health emergency following major earthquakes in Venezuela has entered a critical phase, with the risk of disease outbreaks now posing a severe threat to tens of thousands of displaced survivors. The twin earthquakes, which struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, have killed at least 3,811 people and injured more than 16,740, according to official figures cited by the agency.

While the initial surge of trauma cases has begun to stabilize, PAHO officials stated the crisis is far from over. The organization's director, Jarbas Barbosa, emphasized that the greatest health risks in the coming weeks will stem not only from untreated injuries but from systemic disruptions. These include overcrowding in shelters, inadequate water and sanitation, and reduced access to vaccination and routine healthcare for chronic conditions.

More than 17,000 people remain displaced, with most housed in over 80 temporary camps. These shelters are identified as the highest-risk settings for potential outbreaks of respiratory, diarrheal, and skin diseases, as well as measles and whooping cough. Barbosa noted that Venezuela's...