disaster
Families displaced by Venezuela earthquakes at risk of infection amid water and sanitation shortages
By Save the Children at ReliefWeb
· July 7, 2026
· 4 min read
. Thousands of people sheltering in tents for the past 12 days are without regular access to safe drinking water, running water and toilets, putting them at risk of skin infections, diarrhea and gastrointestinal illnesses, with children particularly vulnerable. Women and girls are having to manage t
Key takeaway Gabriela*, 31, is a doctor working with Paluz, a Save the Children local partner running mobile health clinics for people affected by the earthquake.
Why this matters
The situation in Venezuela highlights the critical need for adequate water and sanitation infrastructure in disaster relief efforts. The lack of access to safe drinking water, toilets, and hygiene facilities is not only a humanitarian concern but also a public health crisis. The risk of infection and disease is particularly high among vulnerable populations such as children, women, and girls, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters. The use of untreated river water for drinking, cooking, and washing further exacerbates the risk of gastrointestinal infections. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for relief organizations and aid providers to prioritize the provision of portable toilets, safe drinking water, and hygiene facilities to mitigate the spread of disease and protect the health and dignity of displaced families. The involvement of local partners, such as Paluz, and international organizations, like Save the Children, is crucial in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and preventing long-term health consequences.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Thousands of people sheltering in tents for the past 12 days are without regular access to safe drinking water, running water and toilets, putting them at risk of skin infections, diarrhea and gastrointestinal illnesses, with children particularly vulnerable. Women and girls are having to manage t
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Save the Children at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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