Venezuelans Flock to International Field Hospitals After Devastating Earthquakes

A double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on June 24, leaving over 4,800 dead and thousands homeless. In the aftermath, at least 12 nations have deployed field hospitals to the hardest-hit areas, including La Guaira and Caracas. Venezuelans, facing a public health system already in crisis, have turned to these international facilities for urgent care Source: clarin.

International Response

Countries such as El Salvador, Spain, Japan, and the United States have set up hospitals offering services ranging from trauma surgery to psychological support. The Salvadoran hospital in Catia La Mar, La Guaira, operates 24 hours a day and has provided over 322 medical consultations, including 273 general check-ups and treatments for chronic diseases Source: elnacionalve. It also includes a veterinary service for pets Source: infobae. Spain's hospital in Caracas has seen more than 2,300 patients, primarily for emergencies, though it also handles cases of diabetic and hypertensive crises Source: clarin.

Local Health System Strain

Venezuela's public hospitals have long suffered from shortages of medicines and equipment, a situation worsened by the earthquake. Patients like Ramón Gutiérrez, 71, who sought care at the Japanese hospital in Caraballeda, noted that "in government hospitals there has never been" adequate supplies Source: elnacionalve. Many residents report long waits and lack of medications, forcing them to rely on foreign aid.

• Over 20,800 people are living in crowded camps with limited water and sanitation Source: clarin.
• The Salvadoran mission has rescued nine people and four dogs from rubble and delivered 481,000 medications to six local hospitals Source: elnacionalve.

Ongoing Efforts

International teams continue rescue operations and medical care. The Salvadoran government, led by President Nayib Bukele, has committed to sustained support, while NGOs like Gente Ayudando Gente in El Salvador are organizing further aid shipments Source: infobae.