The devastation down there is just horrific. I can't even imagine what it must be like for the many, many people who've lost everything. I can understand looting to the extent of food and water. People need to feed their families. I would have hoped that part of emergency plans would have included the National Guard or some authority to secure locations holding food and medicine and commandeer those materials to be rationed out to those who need them. Any foodstuffs on the shelves in those stores are a loss to the companies anyway. However, there are also reports that jewelry stores and ATM's have been broken into and that's just plain stealing.
As for Chavez, I think you're both right. It's a generous offer but also one crafted, I'm sure, to improve his image.