OMS warns death toll from Venezuela earthquakes could rise significantly

The World Health Organization (OMS) has warned that the death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 could increase substantially as search and rescue operations transition to recovery. According to OMS chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the quakes have left more than 2,300 dead, over 5,000 injured, and nearly 16,000 homeless Source: infobae. However, Venezuela's interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, reports 2,595 fatalities and 12,400 injured Source: clarin, highlighting discrepancies in official figures.

Health system under strain

The OMS emphasized that the disaster has exacerbated pre-existing weaknesses in Venezuela's health system, which suffered from years of underfunding and a massive exodus of medical staff. Even before the quakes, up to 37% of essential medicines were in short supply Source: excelsiormx. The loss of health workers, including the coordinator of maternal care in La Guaira who is missing and presumed dead, further hampers the response Source: elnacionalve.

International response

The OMS has released US$1.5 million from its emergency fund and sent over six tons of medical supplies, with another 28 tons expected soon. Seven international medical teams are operating in affected areas, and the Venezuelan government formally requested activation of the global emergency medical team mechanism Source: infobae. Search efforts continue, but the full scope of the tragedy may not be known for days.