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 puts displaced individuals, particularly children and women, at risk of infection and disease. The use of untreated river water and outdoor defecation exacerbates this risk, making it essential for humanitarian organizations to prioritize the provision of portable toilets, clean water, and sanitation facilities. The involvement of organizations like Save the Children and their local partners, such as Paluz, is crucial in addressing these needs through mobile health clinics and advocacy for improved sanitation conditions. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that the demand for water, sanitation, and hygiene services will increase, emphasizing the need for sustained support from the international community to prevent the spread of diseases and protect the health and dignity of displaced families.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving 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 .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
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 Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Save the Children at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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