McDonald's becomes earthquake field hospital in Venezuela

In the Venezuelan state of La Guaira, a McDonald's restaurant has been transformed into a makeshift hospital to cope with the overwhelming number of casualties following two powerful earthquakes. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors have claimed over 2,600 lives, devastating the region and pushing the local healthcare system beyond its capacity.

The fast-food outlet, located in the Caraballeda area, is now serving as a critical care center. Intravenous fluid bags hang from the ceiling, and the space has been equipped with triage areas, a pharmacy, a medical supply storage, and psychological support zones. Dozens of patients are being treated daily for a range of issues, including high blood pressure crises, anxiety attacks, and diarrhea, in addition to injuries sustained during the earthquakes.

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It is terrible. Bodies are lying in the street, the morgue cannot cope with the number of victims, and bodies are left on the street until they begin to decompose.

More than 30 doctors are volunteering at the McDonald's facility. Another temporary health center has been established at the Catia La Mar bus terminal, treating nearly 4,000 patients. The scale of the disaster has left hospitals and morgues unable to cope, with reports of bodies accumulating on the streets. The United Nations has warned of an increased risk of epidemic diseases as displaced survivors gather in shelters amidst the destruction of over 150 buildings in La Guaira.

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The McDonald's restaurant in the Caraballeda area is now receiving dozens of patients suffering from high blood pressure crises, anxiety attacks, and diarrhea symptoms.