World Health Organization warned on Tuesday (30 June) that Venezuela's healthcare system is under severe strain after twin earthquakes struck last week, killing more than 1,700 people, injuring thousands and overwhelming hospitals.
The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, flattening buildings and damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and water systems.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said at least three health centres had been critically damaged, while six others were only partially operational or had suffered structural damage.
"The rest remain operational, but under significant strain," Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva.
A survey of 21 health facilities found overcrowding, chaotic patient flows and growing surgical backlogs, with hospitals struggling to cope with trauma, orthopaedic and neurosurgical cases.
Lindmeier said several maternity healthcare workers in La Guaira remain missing, creating what he described as a critical gap in obstetric care.
The latest official figures put the death toll at more than 1,430, with more than 3,200 people injured and at least 3,100 families directly affected. However, broader estimates suggest the toll may be higher as assessments continue.
Search and rescue teams from 27 countries, involving more than 2,200 personnel and 140 search dogs, are continuing efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Health officials warned that thousands of people displaced by the earthquakes face an increased risk of disease outbreaks, including yellow fever and dengue, particularly because of low vaccination coverage in some areas.
UNICEF said hundreds of thousands of children had been affected, with damage reported at hospitals in La Guaira, Caracas, Carabobo, Aragua and Falcón.
In the Capital District alone, preliminary data show 432 schools have been damaged, many of which are now being used as temporary shelters.
UNICEF said it had mobilised emergency supplies to support around 650,000 people, including 234,000 children, while additional shipments are expected in the coming days.
The United Nations has established three field hospitals in La Guaira, equipped with intensive care units and trauma treatment facilities, to ease pressure on damaged local hospitals.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla visited the worst-affected areas over the weekend and said international solidarity had been vital.
"The first priority is to get the people still alive out of the rubble," Rampolla said.
Officials said urgent needs now include medicines, electricity, clean water, sanitation and mental health support, as aftershocks continue to hamper recovery efforts.
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