Survivors of the deadly earthquakes that struck Venezuela in late June are suffering from significant psychological trauma, with medical workers urging sustained professional mental health support.
Two powerful earthquakes jolted Venezuela on June 24. As of Sunday, the death toll had risen to 3,342, with 16,740 people injured.
Beyond the heavy fatalities, many survivors are grappling with deep emotional and psychological scars caused by the disaster.
At a restaurant-turned makeshift hospital in Venezuela, doctors, nurses, and psychological counselors are working around the clock to provide free medical care to those affected.
"It is now 14:30, about 15:00, and we have attended to 95 patients in this triage area. But the ones that shoulder the heaviest workload are actually the psychological counselors. Their workload is nearly twice of ours today," said Padilla, head of the makeshift hospital.
Psychological counselors at the facility said that many survivors are haunted by anxiety and fear after losing family members, homes, and livelihoods.
"Some people have lost their entire family, and their purpose and meaning of life. Now the mental health issue is essential, and we should provide them with psychological first aid services," said Miguel Guedes, a volunteer psychological counselor.
Medical staff at the temporary hospital called for continued psychological assistance and long-term care for those impacted by the disaster.
"I am calling for all of us to maintain the same level of kindness, generosity, and compassion in the days ahead for as long as needed," said Juan Ramos, a doctor at the makeshift hospital.
Long-term trauma care badly needed for Venezuela quake-survivors
