Caracas (HRNW)- The death toll from the two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to 3,889, while thousands remain injured and displaced. Health authorities and international organizations have also warned of an increasing risk of disease outbreaks in the affected regions.
According to foreign news agencies, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said that 16,740 people have been injured, while 17,907 people have been displaced and relocated to temporary shelters.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that northern coastal areas of Venezuela, which suffered the worst damage, face a growing threat of epidemics due to shortages of clean water, healthcare services and proper sanitation.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said that in the coming weeks the greatest challenge may not only be treating those injured in the earthquakes, but also addressing disruptions to health services, overcrowded shelters, inadequate sanitation, limited access to safe drinking water and reduced vaccination coverage.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the spread of respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal infections and other communicable diseases in the affected areas, while joint efforts with Venezuela’s Ministry of Health are underway to improve vaccine supplies and strengthen emergency health services.
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