CARACAS — Venezuela's health system is facing mounting pressure as hospitals continue treating thousands of earthquake victims and the confirmed death toll from last month's twin earthquakes has climbed above 5,000, according to the latest official figures released by authorities.
Officials said the death toll from the June 24 earthquakes rose to 5,069 after additional bodies were recovered during debris-clearing operations, while the number of injured remained at about 16,740. More than 1,300 aftershocks have been recorded since the disaster, complicating recovery efforts in the hardest-hit coastal areas, particularly La Guaira.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said the response has entered an early recovery phase, with priority shifting from emergency trauma care to restoring essential health services, rebuilding damaged medical facilities and maintaining referral networks. The agency reported that 38 health facilities sustained damage, reducing hospital capacity and placing continued strain on specialized care.
PAHO said emergency medical teams and Venezuelan health authorities are working to restore routine services while strengthening disease surveillance, mental health support and access to essential medicines to reduce the risk of secondary public health emergencies. The organization has warned that disrupted health services and prolonged displacement could increase public health risks if recovery is delayed.
United Nations agencies have also highlighted the impact on vulnerable populations. The U.N. Population Fund said tens of thousands of pregnant women have been affected by the earthquakes and that damage to health facilities has significantly limited access to maternal and newborn care. It said maintaining emergency obstetric services remains an urgent humanitarian priority while overcrowded shelters continue to raise protection and health concerns.
Authorities have reported that thousands of people remain displaced as recovery operations continue. International health agencies are supporting Venezuela with medical supplies, technical experts and emergency response teams while assessments continue to determine the full extent of damage to healthcare infrastructure.
Government casualty figures have increased steadily in recent weeks as search and recovery operations progressed, rising from 4,829 reported on July 15 to more than 5,000 in the latest official update. Authorities have not announced an end to recovery operations and continue to release revised casualty figures as additional victims are identified.
