UN Humanitarian Chief Arrives in Venezuela to Meet Earthquake Survivors

Tom Fletcher, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, arrived in Venezuela to engage directly with survivors of recent devastating earthquakes. His four-day visit includes meetings with frontline personnel who have provided assistance and with high-ranking government officials. Fletcher is also set to participate in a virtual ministerial briefing from Caracas, focusing on the humanitarian response, future steps, and how UN member states can contribute.

The UN's Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela has seen its funding increase to $300 million, a significant rise from the $115 million it had received before the tragedy. Fletcher is expected to provide further details on this during his briefing to member states. On the ground, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are coordinating efforts to meet urgent needs, supporting the Venezuelan government's response. The World Food Programme has distributed ready-to-eat food kits to nearly 2,400 people and family food baskets to over 4,100. Since the response began, WFP has assisted more than 25,000 individuals requiring urgent food aid.

The earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks prior have resulted in 3,535 fatalities and 16,740 injuries, according to the latest government figures. The UN's engagement underscores the ongoing need for international support and coordination in the wake of the disaster.

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Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, arrives in #Venezuela to meet affected people, humanitarian personnel, authorities, and other counterparts following the devastating earthquakes.