Venezuela earthquake relief: UN provides food aid to 286,000 victims

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has provided food assistance to 286,000 people affected by the dual earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June. The organization aims to support up to 500,000 people during the initial three months of the emergency response.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which occurred near Caracas, resulted in at least 6,438 deaths and left thousands in temporary shelters due to damaged housing and infrastructure. The most affected regions include La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Lara, and Yaracuy.

The WFP has issued an urgent appeal for $80 million to sustain life-saving food aid. The organization noted that food insecurity was already significant in Venezuela prior to the seismic events, as rising food prices have severely eroded purchasing power. Additionally, existing challenges such as floods, droughts, and landslides continue to threaten agricultural production and local livelihoods.