Venezuela earthquake toll rises to 3,889 as disease risk grows in displaced areas

Venezuela's authorities say the death toll from twin earthquakes last month has risen to 3,889, as health agencies warn that displaced communities now face a growing risk of disease. The latest figures also put the number of injured at 16,740, with 17,907 people displaced. The worst-affected area is Venezuela's northern coast, where many residents have been forced into shelters after the tremors.

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Lawmaker Jorge Rodrigues said the updated toll was reported on Thursday. The Pan American Health Organization warned that the main health threat in the coming weeks may come not only from earthquake injuries, but also from disrupted health services, overcrowded shelters and poor water and sanitation conditions. It said limited access to clean water and regular medical care is increasing the risk of respiratory and digestive illness among displaced people.

PAHO said it is working with Venezuela's health ministry to improve vaccine access and to trace any outbreaks in shelters. The agency also urged the immediate release of the remaining $15 million in requested emergency aid to repair damaged hospitals and maintain basic sanitation in camps for displaced families. The United Nations has launched a separate appeal for about $300 million to help 1.3 million people in urgent need of assistance.

The scale of the disaster has turned the response into both a humanitarian and public health challenge. Large numbers of displaced people, damaged hospitals and limited sanitation can quickly increase the risk of secondary crises after a major earthquake. In this case, the concern is not only the immediate impact of the tremors, but also the longer-term strain on health services along the northern coast.

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The warning from PAHO highlights the role of regional and international agencies in supporting Venezuela's response. It also points to the importance of vaccination, disease surveillance and basic sanitation in emergency shelters, especially when communities have lost homes and access to routine care. The appeal for funds suggests that the recovery effort is still in an early and fragile stage.

What remains unclear is how quickly emergency aid will be released and whether health services can be restored before outbreaks spread. Officials have not yet said how many shelters are operating or how many people remain without reliable water and medical care. The next developments to watch are the pace of aid delivery, the condition of damaged hospitals and any confirmed signs of disease among displaced residents.

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