Thousands of people in Venezuela are facing severe challenges accessing clean water and sanitation services in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes last month. In the hardest-hit state of La Guaira, residents affected by the back-to-back quakes on June 24 have resorted to using the Caribbean beaches for showering and as makeshift latrines.
The earthquakes caused extensive damage, with 190 buildings collapsing and 856 others damaged, according to Venezuelan officials. The quakes also killed 3,685 people. Many survivors are now living in temporary shelters or outdoors.
Water storage tanks in homes were largely destroyed by the tremors, leaving families without their usual reserves. "We always have water in the tank — water reserved — but with the earthquake, most of the tanks in the houses broke," said Juliani Herrera, 20. "Now, we have to wait to see if a tanker comes and fills buckets."
Some communities already experienced infrequent potable water service even before the earthquakes. In Maiquetía, near the country's main airport, people lined up to receive aid boxes from the United States that included food, water, and hygiene kits. Herrera, who received a kit, sustained scratches from falling from a motorcycle during the shaking.
The Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted the dire need for improved conditions to prevent disease outbreaks. "I have seen families doing everything they can to maintain dignity in extremely difficult conditions," said Beatriz Ochoa, regional head of advocacy for Latin America at the organization. "In one temporary shelter, I saw families organizing themselves to keep common spaces clean, including through makeshift toilets and basic waste management arrangements. Their determination is remarkable, but families should not have to shoulder this burden alone."