Let us take a look at how one country went from a prosperous nation to an almost total collapse SHTF within a few short years: Venezuela.
It wasn’t long ago that Venezuela was one of the richest countries in South America. Once it had a large urban and educated population that had access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and electricity. It also had one of the world’s largest crude oil reserve and had a relatively stable economy.
The Decline Begins
Starting in 2014, Venezuela started suffering a startling collapse. Its currency is practically worthless. Shortages of food and basic necessities have led to riots and lootings. As of this writing, more than 75% of the population live in extreme poverty with unemployment around 44%.
More than five million Venezuelans have fled the country to find work, food, better healthcare and stability. Many Venezuelans are going hungry and have resorted to digging through garbage for food. Families have to make hard choices between buying food or soap.
Basic Necessities In Crisis
Venezuelans have to contend with constant electrical, water and Wi-Fi outages. Outages would last for hours or even days at a time.
Water service in Venezuela has gotten so bad that poor neighborhoods have started to rig private water systems or hand dig shallow wells. Getting clean water is now becoming time consuming.
Gasoline shortages have caused mile long gas lines taking hours or days, causing citizens miss work and taking their children to school. In some neighborhoods, cars would hardly be seen on the roads due to lack of gasoline.
I have friends that migrated to Colombia due to the crisis. They have told me how their families back home are suffering from malnutrition, not being able to afford basic medicines and treatment for chronic and fatal illnesses such as cancer.
One friend mentioned how, before moving to Colombia, they did not remember the last time they ate meat! Their meals were mainly starchy foods low in nutrition. Many would lose weight from malnutrition.
SHTF Lessons Learned From Venezuela’s Crisis
Here in the US, inflation is already causing food prices to sky rocket. Interruptions in the supply chain has resulted in empty grocery store shelves.
As society slowly starts to decline, protests and riots could be on the rise. A lot of people will become desperate for food and shelter and will do almost anything just to survive.
Keeping a low profile will help you to stay under the radar from desperate people. Do not let your neighbors know you are a prepper fully stocked with emergency supplies. Knowing this, it will be important to keep your supplies hidden and maintain a low profile.
Starting a little survival garden can help supplement a meager diet. Society and the government may fail to feed the people. Your garden can be, not only therapeutic, but also your way of taking control of your current situation.
Checkout my previous blogs discussing how to start your own food stockpile and your own survival garden. Having a well stocked first aid kit can help you manage injuries and illness at home when hospitals are a luxury.
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Do you know of anyone who escaped from Venezuela and know of their experiences? Please share in the comments below.
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