Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,889 as Disease Threat Grows

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24 has climbed to 3,889, according to government officials, while health authorities warn of an increasing risk of disease outbreaks in affected communities.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodrigues said 16,740 people were injured and 17,907 others displaced by the disaster.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned that overcrowded shelters, poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and disruptions to healthcare services could lead to outbreaks of respiratory and waterborne diseases. The agency is working with Venezuela's Ministry of Health to strengthen vaccination efforts and monitor potential disease outbreaks.

The United Nations has appealed for about $300 million in emergency funding to support 1.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Medical teams in the hard-hit state of La Guaira have reported a rise in cases of diarrhoea, skin infections, and requests for medication to treat chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said emergency efforts have shifted from treating earthquake injuries to addressing longer-term health needs, stressing the importance of sustained humanitarian support.

Local aid groups, working alongside international humanitarian organizations, continue to provide assistance to displaced families as recovery efforts intensify across the affected regions.

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