CARACAS—Venezuelan authorities and humanitarian organizations intensified efforts on Wednesday to assess emergency needs across earthquake-hit communities one week after twin quakes devastated parts of the country, as thousands of displaced residents continued to require shelter, medical care, clean water and other essential assistance.
The United Nations and aid agencies said rapid assessments were underway to determine the scale of humanitarian needs after the back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on June 24, causing widespread destruction, particularly in La Guaira state and surrounding areas. Officials said casualty and missing-person figures remained subject to revision as search operations continued.
The World Health Organization said Venezuela's health system was under severe strain, with several hospitals either critically damaged or only partially operational. Preliminary assessments found overcrowded facilities, disrupted medical services and growing surgical backlogs, while shortages of specialized healthcare workers further complicated the response.
Humanitarian agencies warned that thousands of people displaced by the disaster remained vulnerable to waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases because of overcrowded shelters, damaged sanitation systems and limited access to safe drinking water. Aid groups said emergency priorities included temporary housing, trauma care, essential medicines, food assistance and protection services.
Search-and-rescue operations also continued despite diminishing prospects of finding survivors. Earlier on Wednesday, multinational rescue teams pulled a 44-year-old security guard alive from the rubble of a collapsed shopping center in La Guaira after he had been trapped for more than a week, providing a rare moment of hope amid the disaster response.
International rescue teams and relief organizations from across the Americas, Europe and elsewhere have supported Venezuela's emergency response since the earthquakes, while some foreign search teams have begun completing their deployments as the operation gradually shifts toward humanitarian relief and early recovery.
The United Nations has warned that millions of people could require some form of humanitarian assistance as authorities continue to evaluate damage to homes, health facilities and other critical infrastructure. Officials said needs assessments would continue in the coming days to guide relief operations and longer-term recovery planning.
