Foodgrains Bank responds as powerful back-to-back earthquakes push Venezuela deeper into crisis

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: Canadian Foodgrains Bank As two powerful earthquakes tore through north-central Venezuela on Wednesday evening, they intensified an already fragile humanitarian crisis – placing millions more people at risk of hunger. The back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude hit within a minute of each other, killing at least 589 people and injuring nearly 3,000 others. These numbers are expected to rise exponentially in the coming days as more information becomes available and search and rescue efforts continue in the densely populated areas most impacted by the earthquakes – including the capital, Caracas. “This disaster comes at a time when many families in Venezuela were already struggling to afford enough food,” says Stefan Epp-Koop, Foodgrains Bank senior humanitarian manager. “It’s a crisis on top of a crisis, and that’s a devastating reality for those who were living on the edge prior to this week’s events. The loss of shelter, income, and access to markets could quickly push them deeper into hunger.” The UN estimates that before the earthquakes struck, up to eight million people in Venezuela needed humanitarian assistance due to economic instability and rising food prices. “Without timely support, more families will be forced to go without the food they need,” says Epp-Koop. As a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, Canadian Foodgrains Bank is responding to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable people in Venezuela as quickly and effectively as possible. “Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time, and Canadians have a long history of responding generously in times like this,” says Foodgrains Bank director of resources and public engagement Christina Philips. “The scale of need is significant, but with the right support, we can help communities withstand this shock and begin to recover.” Funds donated to the joint Humanitarian Coalition appeal will help local partners (who have been present in Venezuela for decades) to provide emergency assistance that is desperately needed at this time. Canadians can give to the Venezuela Earthquake Response at together.ca or by calling 1-855-461-2154. – ENDS – About Canadian Foodgrains Bank Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end hunger. In the 2024-25 budget year, the Foodgrains Bank provided $74.6 million of assistance for 1,176,111 people in 37 countries. Canadian Foodgrains Bank programs are undertaken with support from the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada. Assistance from the Foodgrains Bank is provided through its member agencies, which work with local partners in the developing world. About the Humanitarian Coalition The Humanitarian Coalition is a collaboration of 12 leading Canadian aid agencies who work together to raise funds so that humanitarian relief is delivered quickly and effectively. Humanitarian Coalition is comprised of: Action Against Hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World, Humanity & Inclusion, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan Canada, Save the Children, World Vision. Our members are established and reputable Canadian organizations that meet stringent eligibility criteria. By working together, we provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help when a disaster strikes somewhere in the world. For Media Inquiries please contact: Laura Brookes / Senior Communications Officer lbrookes@foodgrainsbank.ca / 204.944.1087 / cell: 204.297.6124 Canadian Foodgrains Bank www.foodgrainsbank.ca
2026-06-29 10:46:48