Key facts
- An EU expert warned of a major health crisis looming in Venezuela following recent earthquakes.
- The focus of international aid is shifting from search and rescue to medical assistance.
- Extreme heat and humidity are exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
- The EU has pledged €5 million to support affected communities.
- Local citizens have expressed frustration over the state's response to the disaster.
An expert from the European Union's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) has warned that Venezuela is facing a significant health crisis in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes.
João Almeida da Silva, who is on the ground coordinating the EU's response, told Euronews that the focus of aid efforts is shifting from search and rescue operations to providing essential medical assistance. He highlighted that extreme heat and humidity are compounding the challenges, making a health crisis increasingly likely in the coming days and weeks.
The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck last Wednesday, marking one of Venezuela's worst natural disasters in over a century. The death toll has risen to 2,300, with thousands more missing. Direct economic losses are estimated to reach $6.7 billion.
The European Union has pledged €5 million to support the affected communities. Da Silva noted that while rescue teams continue to work tirelessly, the "clock is ticking" for any potential survivors.
Despite the grim situation, there have been moments of hope, such as the rescue of a 3-year-old child who had been trapped for six days. Over 45 international rescue teams are on the ground, with European teams playing a significant role.
However, reports from Venezuela indicate public frustration over the perceived slow and inadequate response from the Venezuelan state and army. Aid organizations are working closely with the army, which controls key logistical points like airports and ports, to facilitate the delivery of assistance.