Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
After recent earthquakes in Venezuela, the World Food Programme (WFP) has shifted its focus from regular support, such as school meals, to emergency food assistance for affected populations. The agency has distributed emergency food packages to 1,200 individuals in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas, and plans to extend aid to up to 500,000 people in shelters over the next three months.
According to WFP Director in Venezuela, Stephanie Hochstetter, many families now face severe uncertainty due to the destruction of homes and infrastructure, loss of income, and disrupted services. While some families can cook at new service centers, many cannot regularly purchase food. WFP is providing both ready-to-eat products and food for home preparation.
The agency currently holds more than 3,000 tonnes of food in Venezuela, enough to feed over 10,000 families for two months. It is also procuring supplies locally and has reserves in Colombia ready for rapid deployment if needed.
WFP has launched an initial $15 million appeal to cover emergency food, logistics, and communications to assist up to 500,000 people in the next three months. These needs may increase as further assessments are completed in isolated and badly affected communities.
Key ports in La Guaira and Puerto Cabello remain operational, ensuring the ongoing receipt of humanitarian supplies. Ms. Hochstetter cautioned that humanitarian needs will continue even after the earthquakes fade from media attention.