Venezuelan medical professionals are raising alarms that untreated injuries from the recent devastating earthquakes could lead to a surge in infections, even as international search teams continue to comb through rubble for survivors. The Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue team from Canada has joined local efforts to locate anyone still trapped after two major quakes struck the country.
Infections loom as healthcare system nears collapse
Aid groups have warned that Venezuela’s healthcare system is operating at its limit, with shortages of basic supplies and medications hampering treatment. According to the World Health Organization, the risk of wound infections, tetanus, and sepsis is high when victims are rescued with open fractures or lacerations that go untreated for days. The Pan American Health Organization has urged authorities to prioritize infection control measures in shelters and field hospitals.
Search operations continue amid aftershocks
The Burnaby team, known for its expertise in urban search and rescue, is using specialized equipment to detect signs of life under collapsed buildings. Local officials report that the death toll remains uncertain, with many areas still inaccessible due to damaged roads and ongoing aftershocks. “We are racing against time to find survivors, but the conditions are extremely challenging,” said a spokesperson for the team.
The earthquakes, which struck within 48 hours of each other, have left thousands homeless and overwhelmed the country’s already fragile infrastructure. The Venezuelan government has appealed for international assistance, including medical supplies and field hospitals.
Healthcare system under strain
Venezuela’s healthcare system has been in decline for years due to economic crisis and political instability. The earthquakes have exacerbated shortages of antibiotics, antiseptics, and surgical equipment. Médecins Sans Frontières reported that many hospitals are operating without running water or reliable electricity. “We are seeing patients with wounds that should have been treated immediately, but they are coming in days later with severe infections,” said a local doctor who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
The World Bank has announced it will phase out lending to China by 2031, but no new financial aid for Venezuela has been confirmed. The United Nations has pledged to coordinate relief efforts.
