Venezuela earthquake recovery faces growing environmental risks

Key Points:

• Over a month after Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes on June 24, heavy machinery continues clearing rubble in La Guaira, with families displaced and environmental hazards like dust and debris posing ongoing risks.
• The quakes killed over 5,000 people, injured nearly 17,000, and caused nearly $20 billion in damage, with tens of thousands still missing and an estimated 1.2 million tons of debris requiring careful management to prevent contamination.
• Contaminated rubble containing hazardous materials threatens water quality and ecosystems, while seasonal rains raise landslide risks on weakened hillsides, complicating recovery efforts in densely populated, vulnerable areas.
• Access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains critical, as poor conditions increase risks of diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, and mosquito-borne illnesses, exacerbated by disrupted healthcare services and low vaccination coverage.
• Volunteers and humanitarian workers face health challenges from dust exposure and dehydration, while experts warn that restoring health infrastructure and managing environmental hazards will be essential for long-term recovery and preventing secondary crises.