Quakes Expose Weak Health System in Venezuela

Twin earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The tremors caused major damage in Caracas and La Guaira. At the time of publication, 3,685 people were declared dead. More than 30,000 people remained missing. This tragedy showed how fragile the nation’s healthcare system was. The country was already struggling with a severe lack of resources before the ground shook.

Dr. Zeina Hannoush was in Caracas when the first quake hit. She described the experience as intense and unusually long. She was visiting her aunt when the ground began to shake. She stood near the exit of the building. She realized that if she had waited two more seconds, she would have been stuck in an elevator. Because she was outside, she could move quickly.

She heard crashing plates and yelling. She walked to an open area away from buildings. There, she shouted to help others evacuate. Her neighborhood was not as damaged as La Guaira. That coastal city was heavily impacted. She then drove to her in-laws' home. Her main goal was to check on her children.

The danger did not stop after the first event. Strong aftershocks continued for a whole week. These tremors were strong enough to shake beds. They woke people up in the middle of the night. Families had to stand in the streets to stay safe from falling debris.

Dr. Hermes Florez explained that the healthcare system was already in trouble before the quakes. He moved to the United States for advanced medical training. He wanted to return to Venezuela, but his plans changed in 2002. He criticized the government for hiding data and lacking resources. This got him on a government blacklist.

Despite these risks, he stayed connected to colleagues in Venezuela. He helps coordinate relief efforts through a network of professionals. This group provides support to those affected by the disaster.

Public hospitals in Venezuela lacked basic resources before the natural disaster. A study in The Lancet showed that most people live in poverty. Only a small fraction can afford private care. Most patients must rely on public hospitals. These facilities often have no money for supplies.

Patients must pay out of pocket for essential items. They need to bring blankets, food, gloves, and even mattresses. If a person needs a prosthetic limb, the family must buy it. Many people rely on community donations to survive surgery. This system puts a heavy burden on sick families.

Venezuela is in an area known for earthquakes. However, the country had no real plan for disasters. Dr. Hannoush noted that while people helped sincerely, the efforts were disorganized. The volume of aid needed was overwhelming.

Dr. Florez blamed years of neglect. He remembered when his father worked for the oil company. That company had backup systems to keep power running. Later, the government removed these safety rules. They stopped practicing for emergencies. Building codes did not require structures to withstand quakes. This lack of engineering standards caused more damage and deaths.

Aid flows into Venezuela from around the world. However, there is mistrust between donors and the government. In the past, donations sent to the government often did not reach the people who needed them. Donors are now very cautious.

Dr. Hannoush works to solve these problems. She helps ensure donations pass through customs. She wants resources to reach hospitals directly. This prevents aid from getting lost in bureaucracy.

There is hope for the future. Virtual care tools can help train doctors in Venezuela. Many Venezuelan doctors live abroad. They can provide remote training for those staying behind. Dr. Florez believes the community can recover. The healthcare system needs a complete overhaul. Both urgent relief and long-term reform are essential. The resilience of the Venezuelan people offers a path forward.