The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, have left an indelible mark on the nation. With 3,685 confirmed deaths and more than 30,000 missing, the disaster has exposed deep-seated issues in the country’s healthcare system and emergency preparedness. Two physicians, Dr. Hermes Florez and Dr. Zeina Hannoush who trained in Venezuela and now work in the United States, share their firsthand experiences and insights on the aftermath and the urgent need for reform.
The coastal city of La Guaira just 30 minutes from Caracas bore the brunt of the earthquakes. The devastation has highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the critical need for robust emergency response systems.
The human experience: A physician’s account
Dr. Zeina Hannoush, who was in Caracas during the earthquakes, recounts the harrowing experience. She describes the intense shaking that lasted for what felt like an eternity. Just two seconds before the quake, she would have been in the elevator, potentially trapped. Instead, she was in the street, urging people to evacuate the buildings as she heard the crashing of plates and people yelling.
Dr. Hannoush’s immediate concern was for her children, who were staying with her in-laws in another part of Caracas. The aftershocks throughout the week added to the anxiety, with the family waking up in the middle of the night to the bed shaking beneath them.
The state of healthcare in Venezuela
The earthquakes have exacerbated an already fragile healthcare system. Dr. Hermes Florez highlights that before the disaster, fewer than 10% of Venezuelans could afford private healthcare, while approximately 70% of the population is impoverished. This leaves the majority reliant on public hospitals, which often lack basic resources.
Patients in public hospitals are typically required to bring their own supplies, including blankets, pillows, food, and even surgical materials. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare system.
Emergency preparedness and aid efforts
The lack of emergency preparedness in Venezuela is a significant concern. Dr. Hannoush notes that while the region is prone to earthquakes, there is no well-structured preparedness plan. Aid efforts, though well-intentioned, are often disorganized and hampered by mistrust between the government and nonprofit organizations.
Dr. Florez points out that the country’s infrastructure, including power supply and healthcare facilities, has deteriorated over the years due to lack of maintenance and preventive measures. The construction codes also do not address earthquake safety, contributing to the poor preparedness.
Aid is still coming into Venezuela, but ensuring it reaches those in need remains a challenge. Dr. Hannoush emphasizes the importance of continued support from the international community and the need to rebuild trust in the distribution process.
A hopeful future
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future of Venezuela. Dr. Florez highlights the potential of virtual care and training platforms to provide resources and support to the healthcare workforce. The diaspora of Venezuelan professionals can play a crucial role in training and reforming the healthcare system.
The road to recovery is long, but with continued support and reform, there is potential for a brighter future for Venezuela.
