More than 3,500 people have died following a pair of earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, according to official figures. Lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez reported that the latest tally includes 3,535 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and 17,854 people left without housing.

At least 12,800 individuals are currently residing in 80 shelters across Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal areas most affected by the earthquakes. In La Guaira, witnesses told Reuters they observed trucks and forensic teams transporting coffins while authorities dug trenches marked by white crosses for burials.

Health experts are warning of an impending crisis due to infections among those exposed to the disaster for extended periods. Eugenio Cova, head of the trauma unit at Hospital Jose Gregorio Hernandez in Caracas, cautioned about potential infections arising soon. Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo reported from a shelter in La Guaira that many people have experienced diarrhoea and other diseases.

The situation remains critical as thousands continue to sleep in crowded temporary shelters, raising concerns about the spread of illness and the need for urgent medical and humanitarian assistance.

Sources