03/07/2026 09:31 - Internacionales
International solidarity shines amidst the tragedy, with field hospitals and medical teams arriving in the most affected areas of this South American nation.
According to reports by the Argentine newspaper Clarín and Cadena 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on July 3, 2026, that the total number of victims from the earthquakes that struck on June 24 could increase considerably. This is expected once search and rescue operations conclude and recovery efforts begin in this Caribbean country located on the northern coast of South America.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the impact on health services and medical staff is exacerbated by years of lack of investment and financial crisis, factors that caused the emigration of thousands of healthcare workers. Before the disaster, many hospitals already faced severe shortages, with up to 37% of essential medicines missing.
The government of interim President Delcy Rodríguez updated the official figures this Friday, reporting 2,595 deceased and 12,400 injured by the earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 with epicenters near Morón, a city in the central state of Carabobo. The WHO has allocated 1.5 million USD from its Emergency Contingency Fund and has sent more than six tons of medical supplies, with another 28 tons to follow in the coming days.
Currently, seven medical teams are operating in the affected areas, and a dozen field hospitals have been installed in La Guaira—the most devastated coastal region near the capital—and in Caracas, the nation's capital. Venezuelan authorities formally requested the activation of the international mechanism for emergency medical teams and decreed seven days of national mourning.
The earthquakes left, according to UN estimates, between 40,000 and 70,000 people missing and around 16,000 people homeless. NASA documented that 58,870 buildings suffered damage. Amidst this devastating situation, stories of hope emerge, such as the rescue of Hernán Gil, who survived 114 hours under the rubble thanks to the joint effort of rescuers from seven countries.
The global community continues to show its commitment. 27 countries sent aid with more than 3,300 rescuers and 2,000 tons of supplies. The United States donated 300 million dollars and deployed 2,000 personnel, confirming that the national oil infrastructure did not suffer damage. The entire world remains united in supporting Venezuela during these difficult times, proving that humanity prevails over any adversity.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
