Earthquake survivors treated for injuries sustained during debris search in Venezuela

International field hospitals set up across Venezuela are now treating a new wave of casualties: collateral victims of the powerful double earthquake that struck the nation. These individuals, many suffering from respiratory problems, infections, and trauma, are seeking care after spending hours sifting through debris in search of family members and belongings.

“

I found them on Wednesday, I already cremated them, I searched for them myself with the help of other relatives.

Justo Blanco, 26, described his experience at a field hospital run by medical personnel from El Salvador. He suffers from a cough and breathing difficulties, which he attributes to the cold nights and the dust inhaled while searching for his parents, who died in the disaster. "I found them on Wednesday, I already cremated them, I searched for them myself with the help of other relatives," he told EFE.

Medical teams report treating a range of ailments, including colds, respiratory infections, lacerations, fungal infections, and various traumas. Some patients sustained injuries from falling debris while overcome by anxiety in their desperate search for loved ones. The influx of patients highlights the ongoing challenges in the earthquake-devastated coastal region of La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.

“

colds, respiratory infections, lacerations, fungi or some types of trauma

In response to the disaster, hundreds of medical professionals from countries including the United States, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia, and Japan have arrived in Venezuela to offer healthcare. These efforts represent a critical phase of assistance following the initial search and rescue operations for survivors, addressing the needs of a population already grappling with deficiencies in its public health system.

“

the anxiety of searching for their people, they did not take the necessary care and some debris fell on them