Venezuela earthquake recovery hampered by environmental and health hazards

More than a month after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, heavy machinery continues to clear rubble in La Guaira while residents cope with dust, garbage and limited access to safe water. Public health and environmental specialists say the next weeks are crucial to prevent secondary crises from hazardous debris and inadequate sanitation.

The quakes killed over 5,000 people, injured nearly 17,000 and left almost 18,000 homeless, according to government figures, while the World Bank estimates $19.6 billion in direct damage. In the aftermath, an estimated 1.2 million tons of debris—potentially contaminated with fuels, oils, paints, solvents and asbestos—must be sorted and disposed of safely. Joaquín Benítez, director of Environmental Sustainability at Andrés Bello Catholic University, explained that recyclable concrete will be reused for reconstruction, whereas hazardous material will require specialized disposal facilities.

"The smell of corpses is very strong" – Carolina de Jesús, Project HOPE Venezuela project director.

Local residents report respiratory problems from dust exposure. Mary Cruz Andueza, whose mother’s home collapsed, said she became ill after days spent near the rubble, experiencing coughs, allergies, fever and headaches.

Environmental groups warn that improper dumping of contaminated debris could reach coastal waters, threatening marine ecosystems, and that seasonal rains may trigger landslides on weakened hillsides. Diego Díaz Martín, president of Vitalis, urged authorities to avoid rebuilding in landslide-prone zones.

Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge. De Jesús noted that water supplied by tanker trucks is not always properly treated, increasing the risk of diarrheal diseases and other infections. Dr. Mauricio Cerpa of the Pan American Health Organization said post-disaster conditions, such as overcrowded shelters and disrupted sanitation, create an environment for disease spread, and identified 18 priority health threats including dengue, malaria and measles.

Health services are strained, with hospitals needing to resume care for chronic patients while expanding disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns. Alycia Clark, vice president of Direct Relief, said the earthquakes compounded existing shortages of medicines and health workers, leaving many patients without routine care.

Experts agree that the next phase of recovery must focus on restoring safe water and sanitation, rebuilding essential health services, and managing hazardous waste to avoid new public-health emergencies.