Public health and environmental experts told The Associated Press the coming weeks are critical to preventing secondary crises caused by contaminants from the rubble and rebuilding. Survivors are now experiencing the environmental costs in a region where Venezuela’s health system was already weakened by years of economic crisis. The Venezuelan government did not immediately respond to questions about its response to the environmental and public health impacts of the earthquake. Public health and environmental experts said the next phase of recovery will focus on restoring safe water and sanitation, rebuilding essential health services and managing environmental hazards before they create new emergencies. ___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.