The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks ago has reached 3,899, according to official data released by the Venezuelan Parliament. While rescue efforts continue, authorities report that 16,740 people remain injured, and 17,907 individuals are currently without housing, with 16,892 people residing in 89 state-run temporary camps.
Current Casualty and Infrastructure Data
The latest bulletin, presented by the president of the Venezuelan Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez, confirms a rise of 88 fatalities since the previous official count. The scale of the structural damage remains significant, with 856 buildings confirmed as affected by the seismic activity. Of those, 190 structures have completely collapsed.
Government records indicate that 86,794 families have received assistance from state authorities, and 6,462 people have been successfully rescued since the initial tremors occurred.
International Aid and Supply Distribution
External support continues to flow into the affected regions. The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela announced this week that more than 30,000 citizens have received essential supplies. These resources were coordinated by the Global Empowerment Mission and delivered by U.S. officials, including the Under Secretary of Agriculture, Luke Lindberg, and State Department official Ryan Shrum.
Public Health Risks and Long-term Recovery
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has characterized the current health response as a "critical" phase, warning that the emergency is far from over. PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that the primary risks following a disaster of this magnitude are related to the interruptions of health services, overcrowding, access to potable water, or vaccination.
Key health concerns identified by PAHO include:
- Service Interruption: Interruption of health services.
- Sanitation Challenges: Access to potable water.
- Overcrowding: Hacinamiento.
- Vaccination: Vaccination.
PAHO reports that it has mobilized approximately $9 million of the $24 million required to address the ongoing medical emergency. The organization’s strategy is now shifting toward stabilization, the continuity of care, and early recovery.