AGP Executive Report

El Niño preparedness in Venezuela: Officials held technical meetings with INAMEH and ministries to coordinate preventive actions for the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, stressing early warnings, risk maps, and community awareness to reduce impacts on temperature, rainfall, and water reserves. Climate action and lifestyle change: Planning Vice President Ricardo Menéndez argued that facing the climate crisis requires changing ways of life, while strengthening the National Seismological Network and meteorological monitoring. Gas and electricity push: Venezuela signed a license for phase two development of the Lorán natural gas field (BP, XRG, UCC) and an addendum to reactivate Macagua and Tocoma hydro works, aiming to boost domestic energy and grid capacity. Forest fire response in Mérida: MINEC reported two vegetation fires controlled in Santos Marquina and Rivas Dávila, including one linked to a high-voltage cable, with INPARQUES and fire services mobilized. Regional fisheries training: CRFM workshop in Guyana trained data managers from Venezuela and other NBSLME countries on data-limited groundfish assessment to support more sustainable management. Wildfire cooperation abroad: France’s embassy thanked Lithuania for firefighting help in Bordeaux and Marseille, highlighting EU civil protection coordination amid global warming. Caracas recycling workshops: MACCAR’s free “Maccarcionales 2026” program includes creative recycling activities for youth, running Aug. 12–29.

Climate & Disaster Preparedness: Venezuela’s planning and meteorology agencies held technical meetings on El Niño, stressing early warnings, risk maps, and community action to reduce impacts on temperature, rainfall, and reservoir levels. Energy & Environment: Venezuela signed a license for phase two development of the Lorán natural gas field (BP, XRG, UCC) and an addendum to complete hydroelectric works at Macagua and Tocoma (IMPSA), aiming to boost domestic supply and cleaner power capacity. Local Ecosystem Protection: Mérida’s MINEC reported two vegetation fires contained in Santos Marquina and Rivas Dávila, including a suspected cause tied to a high-voltage cable, with unified forest-fire command response. Sustainability Culture: Caracas’ MACCAR launched “Maccarcionales 2026,” a free vacation program featuring creative recycling and arts workshops for kids and teens. Regional Fire Response: France’s embassy thanked Lithuania for wildfire-fighting support in Bordeaux and Marseille, highlighting EU civil protection cooperation amid global warming pressures. Marine Fisheries Capacity: A CRFM workshop in Guyana trained NBSLME fisheries professionals (including Venezuela) on data-limited groundfish assessment to support sustainable management.

Forest Fire Response in Mérida: Venezuela’s Ministry for Ecosocialism (MINEC) says it controlled two vegetation fires in Santos Marquina and Rivas Dávila, with the Unified Forest Fire Command activated and causes traced, including a suspected high-voltage cable fall. Climate Preparedness for El Niño: INAMEH and the government held technical meetings on ENOS, with officials warning Venezuela is in a climate emergency and pushing early-warning and prevention actions across ministries. Power and Water Under El Niño Pressure: After warnings that El Niño could bring drought, Venezuela is calling for stronger power and water conservation, as communities already facing long outages report fresh cuts and protests. Energy Grid Recovery and Deals: UNDP projects 6.5% GDP growth in 2026 despite June’s earthquakes, while officials also report grid recovery efforts and new energy cooperation to strengthen national electricity capacity. Wildlife Discovery: Researchers report mysterious eagle ray dental plates found in Venezuelan waters, adding a surprising piece to regional biodiversity knowledge.

Energy & Climate Risk in Venezuela: With El Niño expected to worsen drought, Venezuela’s interim government is pushing tougher power and water conservation after recent grid strain and months of cuts, including protests in Valencia as outages extend and water supply stays intermittent. Electricity Rationing Measures: Delcy Rodríguez says public-sector work will shift to reduced schedules (every other day, half days for non-essential roles) to ease peak demand, after Tuesday’s record-high electricity demand amid limited generation capacity. Hydropower Restart Plan: Rodríguez also signed an addendum with Argentine firm IMPSA to restart work at the Macagua and Tocoma hydro plants in Bolívar, aiming to add megawatts and stabilize the national electricity system. Regional Disaster Response Link: Venezuela is sending the Simón Bolívar Brigade and technical/humanitarian support to Colombia after the 7.4 quake, while multilateral partners like the CDB and CAF back Venezuela’s own earthquake recovery fund. Wildlife Discovery: A study reports mysterious eagle ray dental plates found in Venezuelan coastal waters, hinting at unexpected biodiversity and the need for better marine species records.

Electricity & Heat Response: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela is cutting public-sector work hours “every other day” to ease strain on a failing grid as demand hit a near-decade peak (15,576 MW) amid extreme temperatures and climate emergency conditions, while new hydroelectric generator work is being pushed to recover lost capacity. Disaster Solidarity: Rodríguez also announced an immediate assistance plan for Colombia after the 7.4 earthquake, including deployment readiness via the Simón Bolívar Brigade and technical humanitarian support. Regional Recovery Funding: The Caribbean Development Bank approved a USD 1 million contribution to CAF’s Venezuela recovery and reconstruction fund after the June 24 earthquakes, backing emergency response and rebuilding priorities. Flood Preparedness (Local): Miranda’s Ambiente Miranda is training communities in Paparo to use risk maps, rain gauges, and coordinated evacuation actions to respond to flooding from hydrometeorological events. Earthquake Lessons & Human Impact: Coverage highlights how Colombia’s quake response faced early aid friction, while humanitarian groups stress that the first 72 hours are crucial and that children and food insecurity are major risks in affected areas.

Earthquake Response (Colombia): A 7.4 quake hit western Colombia on Aug. 10, killing at least 250 and leaving thousands missing as power outages, collapsed bridges, and blocked roads slow rescue and relief. Food & Water Stress: Aid groups warn hunger will worsen because food insecurity was already high in affected regions, with the first 72 hours crucial for finding survivors. Venezuela Link (June Quakes): The disaster comes weeks after Venezuela’s June earthquakes, underscoring how repeated shocks strain regional recovery. Disaster Cost (Swiss Re): Swiss Re estimates global natural-disaster losses at $100B in the first half of 2026, with Venezuela’s earthquakes among the biggest drivers. Venezuela Recovery (Housing): Caracas delivered 102 rehabilitated homes for June 24 quake victims under the “Venezuela Rises” plan, now intervening in 13,000 homes nationwide. Maritime Environment Risk: The U.S. sold a Venezuela-linked oil tanker for scrap after a high-seas chase, raising safety and pollution concerns tied to shipbreaking. Climate/Heat Context: Europe’s gas-storage squeeze and wildfire risk are tied to abnormal heat and disrupted LNG routes, adding pressure to already stressed systems.

Agriculture & Food Security: Venezuela’s agriculture minister Vladimir Padrino López met FAO’s Alexis Bonte to review cooperation on seed systems, animal health, and joint actions to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, while also planning technology transfer, better water management, and steps to reduce Super Niño impacts. Earthquake Response & Humanitarian Needs: Colombia’s 7.4 quake (Aug 10) is driving urgent rescue and relief, with reports of hundreds dead and thousands affected; aid groups warn access is hard in remote areas amid violence, and hospitals/airports were disrupted. Community Water & Resilience Research: New research highlights how La Mojana’s raised fields and canals were built and maintained by local communities to manage floods and droughts—an example of water governance that could inform climate resilience. Venezuela Power Recovery: Coverage notes Venezuela’s ongoing electricity recovery after earlier quakes, including repairs and restored capacity, as authorities push rebuilding and contingency planning. Oil & Environmental Risk: The U.S. sold two seized sanctioned oil tankers for scrap to be dismantled in India, raising concerns about “shadow fleet” aging vessels and the environmental risks of shipbreaking.

Earthquake Response (Colombia): A 7.4-magnitude quake hit western Colombia near San José del Palmar, with deaths reported at least 132 and injuries over 570 as rescuers race through collapsed buildings in cities like Cali and Pereira. Regional Solidarity (Venezuela): Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez activated the Simon Bolívar Brigade to support Colombia once an official request is received, while Hanjin is set to move KOICA emergency tents to Caracas via a long air-and-land route through Canada and Colombia. Climate & Risk (Heat/Insurance): Swiss Re warns Europe’s “chronic heat risk” is worsening, stressing impacts on health, water and energy systems, and noting insurers are bracing for more costly disasters later in 2026. Disaster Economics (Global): Swiss Re estimates natural-disaster economic losses at about $100B in the first half of 2026, with risk expected to rise in the second half. Oil & Environment (Sanctions/Shipping): The U.S. sold two sanctioned tankers seized after a Venezuela raid for scrap in India, raising concerns about pollution risks from aging vessels. Local Aid (Venezuela): Amerant Bank says it raised over $100,000 for Venezuela earthquake relief through a community campaign coordinated with the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce.

Oil & Climate Tech: Skoltech and Khalifa University built a verified numerical model to better forecast enhanced oil recovery in Venezuela’s extra-heavy crude fields, where recovery can be as low as 4%—aiming to guide smarter, less wasteful development decisions. Disaster Response & Resilience: Venezuela’s ruling party is collecting community proposals on electrical contingency amid climate pressures, pushing door-to-door listening as blackouts and recovery needs continue. Regional Earthquake Fallout: A major 7.4 quake hit western Colombia, killing at least 111 and damaging hundreds of buildings; the disaster is also felt in Venezuela, underscoring shared seismic risk and the need for cross-border readiness. Aid & Logistics: Hanjin will transport KOICA emergency tents to Venezuela via a long air-and-land route through Canada and Colombia, highlighting how international logistics support recovery after Venezuela’s June earthquakes. Finance for Recovery: The Caribbean Development Bank and CAF pledged US$1 million to Venezuela’s earthquake recovery and reconstruction fund. Energy Security & Trade: Reuters reports the U.S. sold for scrap two sanctioned oil tankers seized after a Venezuela raid, with demolition planned in India—another reminder of how enforcement actions ripple through regional energy and pollution risks.

Disaster Response: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia near San José del Palmar, triggering building collapses and evacuations; reports put deaths at 70+ with heavy damage in cities like Pereira and Cali, while tremors were felt across the region including Venezuela. Venezuela Earthquake Lessons: Coverage also points back to Venezuela’s June twin quakes, arguing that outcomes depend not just on geology but on enforcement of building safety and the state’s ability to anticipate and respond. Energy & Climate Resilience: Venezuela’s recovery and drought/El Niño preparedness show up in the week’s reporting, including calls for preventive measures to protect the power grid and plans to manage electricity demand. Agro-Environment: Venezuela’s cacao sector got a boost via a UN/FAO-linked OCOP workshop, with training focused on climate resilience and soil conservation for fine aromatic cacao. Hydrocarbons & Environment: The African Energy Chamber reiterated support for Venezuela’s upstream oil and gas push, including pledges tied to gas flaring reduction and workforce development.

Power Grid Recovery: Venezuela’s SEN repair push after the June 24 twin earthquakes is gaining traction, with Corpoelec restoring key transmission links and working to bring back a third Termocarabobo unit—expected to add 450 MW toward the 600 MW lost. Energy Conservation & El Niño Prep: Caracas has launched a strict energy-saving schedule ahead of the “Super Niño” risk, including alternating shifts and limits until 12:30 p.m., while essential services and post-earthquake “Venezuela Reborn” projects run at full capacity. Climate Risk Planning: Science and Technology Minister Yván Gil says specialists are mapping drought and water-stress zones alongside heavier-rain areas for 2026–2027, urging prevention measures tied to the national energy plan. Local Disaster Governance: The Ombudsman met La Guaira’s governor to strengthen recovery, risk management, and on-the-ground coordination for affected communities. Food Security Support: Caracas held Food Supply Days in La Vega, distributing food plus medicines and health services as part of hundreds of simultaneous national days. Agriculture & Soil Conservation: A Venezuelan delegation at an OCOP workshop with FAO and China’s tropical agriculture institute focused on climate resilience and soil conservation for fine aromatic cacao, including post-harvest processing and traceability.

Power Grid Recovery: Venezuela’s Corpoelec is pushing repairs after the June 24 twin earthquakes, with Electric Energy Minister Rolando Alcalá saying two transformers at Termocarabobo are back online and a third is expected soon—adding 450 MW toward the 600 MW lost, while a damaged 400 kV link has cut transfer capacity by about 100 MW. Climate Preparedness: Science and Technology Minister Yván Gil says Venezuela is preparing for “Super Niño,” warning of drought and water stress in some areas and heavy rains in others, with IVIC working on prevention and mitigation steps. Energy-Saving Measures: Caracas is rolling out special working hours and strict electricity controls to stabilize the National Electricity System, urging private businesses and malls to use self-generation where possible. Disaster Governance: The Ombudsman’s office met La Guaira’s governor to strengthen recovery, risk management, and on-the-ground technical support for reconstruction after the quake. Food Security Support: Caracas held a “Food Supply Day” in La Vega, distributing tons of food plus medicines and health services, as part of broader national contingency response.

Climate & Water Risk: Venezuela’s Science and Technology minister Yván Gil says the country is preparing for the “Super Child” climate phenomenon, warning it could bring droughts and water stress in some regions and heavy rains in others, with IVIC working on prevention steps. Energy Resilience: Caracas is rolling out special work hours and tighter electricity controls to reduce environmental impact and keep the National Electricity System stable as Super Child approaches. Disaster Recovery Governance: La Guaira’s Ombudsman Eglée González Lobato met Governor José Alejandro Terán with disaster-management experts to strengthen recovery, risk management, and on-the-ground support for communities affected by the June 24 emergency. Electric System Leadership: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez appointed Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as the new head of Corpoelec, aiming to strengthen the national power system after recent conservation calls. Food Security Support: In Caracas, Mayor Carmen Meléndez led a “Food Supply Day” distributing tons of food plus medicines and health services, citing continued response capacity after recent climatic and natural contingencies.

Climate & Power Resilience: Caracas is set to activate special working hours and strict electricity controls to reduce the environmental impact and keep the National Electricity System stable as the “Super Child” climate phenomenon approaches, with a new schedule for public institutions and calls for self-generation in high-demand sites like malls and companies. Earthquake Recovery & Urban Safety: Venezuela’s acting leadership is pushing repairs and reconstruction after the June earthquakes, including work on thermoelectric plants and broader efforts to restore damaged homes and infrastructure. Seismic Engineering & Reconstruction Planning: Delcy Rodríguez met with international seismic engineering firms to strengthen structural resilience and coordinate advanced urban reconstruction plans, highlighting the government’s focus on earthquake-proofing cities. Humanitarian Response Coordination: Spanish Foreign Affairs officials discussed support for Venezuela’s earthquake humanitarian response and the upcoming Ibero-American Summit, while local organizers in the U.S. collected emergency supplies for Venezuelans affected by the quakes. Water, Waste & Sanitation: A WHO-linked study proposal is aimed at improving water sanitation and waste management, tying public health needs to longer-term environmental recovery.

Energy & Climate Adaptation in Caracas: Caracas will shift to special working hours and tighter electrical controls to cut demand and protect the National Electricity System as the “Super Child” climate phenomenon approaches, with officials urging self-generation in high-use businesses and malls. Earthquake Relief Logistics: Bridgeport residents collected emergency supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims, with donations shipped onward for delivery. Seismic Resilience & Urban Reconstruction: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met international seismic engineering firms to strengthen structural resilience and coordinate advanced urban rebuilding plans. Water, Sanitation & Waste Planning: Venezuela and WHO discussed a study proposal focused on water sanitation and waste management. Biodiversity & Marine Protection: Environmental authorities protected a sea turtle nesting area in Cata Bay through MINAGUAS and Guardia Ambiental actions. Hydrocarbons Investment Push: Venezuela is promoting new opportunities in oil, gas, power, and infrastructure at African Energy Week via a Venezuela Global Investment Forum, following reforms to its hydrocarbons law. Regional Climate Context: Coverage also highlights strengthening El Niño conditions later in 2026, raising disaster and food-security risks across Latin America.

Earthquake recovery & WASH: Venezuela’s Health Ministry and WHO are studying technical cooperation to improve water sanitation and waste management in areas hit by the June 24 earthquakes, including an emergency WASH data system and health-service actions like immunization and malaria prevention. Power grid resilience: Venezuela is pushing electricity recovery and preventive measures as drought and El Niño risks loom, while officials also discuss rationing and repairs to key plants. Housing rebuilding: After the twin quakes, Venezuela reports continued progress restoring thousands of homes, including major rehabilitation in La Guaira. Food security: FEDEAGRO says white corn production has topped one million tons, supporting precooked flour supply for about 10 months despite El Niño impacts. Energy investment push: Venezuela is promoting new hydrocarbons opportunities at the Venezuela Global Investment Forum during African Energy Week, tied to reforms to the Organic Hydrocarbons Law aimed at attracting private capital. Regional risk lens: The CBCS says its crisis protocols were tested by Venezuela-related tensions and US-Iran escalation, highlighting how geopolitical shocks and climate risks can ripple into financial stability.