Venezuela launches child nutrition monitoring and reunification program after June 24 earthquakes

Caritas Venezuela, with supplies from the United Nations, has activated a nutrition‑alert system (SAMAN) in temporary shelters set up after the June 24 earthquakes. The scheme monitors children’s health in real time, enabling rapid distribution of food aid and supplements and marking the start of the second phase of the humanitarian response, which also includes a detailed census of displaced families.

Municipal Protection Councils have been designated as the only bodies authorized to verify and reunify children separated from their families during the emergency. Officials warned against handing children to unverified individuals, citing the tragic case of six‑year‑old Amaia Landeta, whose disappearance after false rescue reports ended with her being found deceased. The councils are urging the public to verify information before sharing it, to protect vulnerable minors.