UN : *2.3 MILLION FLEE VENEZUELA*

ABOUT 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled their crisis-hit country mainly because of the lack of food as severe shortages of medicine has left thousands at risk, the UN spokesman said Tuesday.

The Venezuelans have fled to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.

''People site lack of food as their main reason for leaving,'' said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.  About 1.3 million Venezuelans are suffering from malnourishment.

Severe shortages of  medicine and medical supplies have led to a ''sharp deterioration of  the quality of hospitals.'' he said citing UN humanitarian officials.

More than 100,000 Venezuelans living with HIV / AIDS are at risk due to lack of access to necessary medication,'' he said.

Diseases that had been eradicated such as measles, malaria, tuberculosis and diphtheria have reappeared are on the rise.

Oil-rich Venezuela has been in an economic freefall  since a drop in oil prices in 2014 left a gaping hole in the country's finances.

President Nicolas Maduro has faced criticism for his handling of the economy and accusations that he is sliding towards authoritarianism. [Agencies].