Washington: Venezuelan communities across the United States have launched donation drives and fundraising campaigns after two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela killed at least 188 people and injured hundreds more.
The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction, including severe damage to Caracas’ main airport, potentially hampering relief operations and the delivery of aid.
With thousands still reported missing, Venezuelans in the US have been scrambling for updates from loved ones back home. The United States is home to more than 770,000 Venezuelans, with large communities concentrated in Florida, Texas and Utah. Many have quickly mobilised to collect funds, medicines and other essential supplies.
Residents monitored a stream of messages on WhatsApp groups connecting people in Venezuela with family members abroad.
“Already this morning, I was looking at the group in Doral, and everybody’s pitching in — money, medicine, water. First, necessity items,” said Torres, a sales manager who emigrated from Venezuela to the US in 1995. “They’re talking about making the first shipment ASAP.”
Torres, who still has relatives in Caracas and Valencia, said several family members were injured while fleeing buildings during the quakes.
“Their homes are destroyed, and a few buildings have collapsed,” he said. “Thankfully, I don’t know anyone who passed away.”
In Houston, members of the Venezuelan community shared donation information through Facebook groups and other social media platforms, seeking first-aid and medical supplies such as gauze, bandages, antiseptics, gloves, face masks, syringes, thermometers and blood pressure monitors.
Daniel Arenas, a maritime industry consultant, translated a Spanish-language appeal into English to help expand fundraising efforts.
“I came to this country 10 years ago and built a life here, but my heart is still in Venezuela,” Arenas said. “It’s devastating what’s happening over there. They don’t have the resources to handle this.”
Recalling a conversation with his wife’s aunt in Caracas, Arenas said she was overwhelmed by the disaster.
“She was crying and screaming and saying she was in pain but not sure from where,” he said. “She said she lost everything. She was desperate.”
