The ongoing political and economic crisis in Venezuela continues to drive hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans to neighboring Brazil, most of whom are in need of humanitarian assistance, including food, health care, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support. The country also remains highly vulnerable to climatic shocks—such as flooding, forest fires, and landslides—which can adversely affect agricultural livelihoods, temporarily displace local populations, and compound food security concerns.
When disaster strikes, USAID works with relief actors to meet humanitarian needs and complement government response efforts. For example, heavy rains in late April generated widespread flooding and landslides, affecting more than 2.3 million people across Rio Grande do Sul State. In response, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth F. Bagley issued a declaration of humanitarian need due to the effects of the floods. USAID also bolsters critical fire prevention and forest management capacities in Brazil, including in protected public lands across the Amazon River basin. The importance of the work was highlighted in March, when wildfires—driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon—adversely affected people in Brazil’s northernmost Roraima State during March. Additionally, USAID continues to support non-governmental organizations to provide emergency food and nutrition support to tens of thousands of Venezuelans residing within Brazil.
