WHO Highlights Health Risks in Earthquakes, Cites Venezuela Impact
The World Health Organization emphasizes the health dangers posed by earthquakes and the need for resilient infrastructure, following recent devastation in Venezuela.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted the critical health risks associated with earthquakes and the necessity of strengthening healthcare infrastructure to withstand such disasters. Speaking in Istanbul on July 2, 2026, Kluge referenced the recent earthquakes in Venezuela as a stark reminder of the potential human cost when health facilities are compromised.
Kluge underscored that earthquakes often strike without warning. The collapse of buildings in the aftermath is frequently the cause of fatalities, rather than the seismic event itself. This reality underscores the urgent need for structures, particularly healthcare facilities, to be built with resilience in mind to ensure continued operation during emergencies.
The WHO plans to assist countries like Turkey in enhancing the robustness of their health systems against natural calamities. The objective is to ensure that emergency services and healthcare networks remain operational even after severe seismic activity, facilitating prompt aid delivery to those impacted.
Having visited earthquake-affected areas, Kluge directly observed the state of health services, both those damaged and those managed under challenging conditions. The organization aims to foster international collaboration and disseminate best practices to mitigate suffering and guarantee the continuity of healthcare in disaster-prone regions.