Venezuela earthquakes toll rises to 3,889 as risk of disease grows | Earthquakes News
Venezuela’s Earthquake Death Toll Rises as Health Risks Mount
Published July 9, 2026
Authorities in Venezuela have reported that the death toll from last month’s twin earthquakes has reached 3,889. The situation has prompted regional health agencies to issue warnings about the increased risk of disease outbreaks.
Lawmaker Jorge Rodrigues confirmed on Thursday that at least 16,740 individuals have sustained injuries and 17,907 others have been displaced due to the seismic events.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has cautioned that those displaced along Venezuela’s northern coast, the area most severely impacted by the earthquakes, face heightened health risks. Limited access to clean water and adequate medical care has intensified these concerns.
“In the coming weeks, the greatest health risks may arise not only from injuries caused by the earthquakes but also from disruptions to health services, overcrowding, deficiencies in water and sanitation, and reduced access to vaccinations and routine healthcare,” said PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa.
To combat these challenges, PAHO is collaborating with Venezuela’s health ministry to enhance access to vaccines and monitor potential outbreaks of respiratory and digestive illnesses, particularly in shelters for those who lost their homes.
In a related effort, the United Nations has initiated an appeal for approximately $300 million to provide urgent assistance to 1.3 million people in need across Venezuela.
PAHO has urged the swift disbursement of the remaining $15 million in requested emergency aid to repair damaged hospitals and maintain basic sanitation in camps for displaced individuals to avert a health crisis.
