Recently, the world was shaken by devastating news from Venezuela, where a series of powerful earthquakes struck, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. At least 188 people have been reported dead, and many more are injured. This tragedy has mobilized Venezuelans living in the U.S. to take action and organize donation drives to help their families and friends back home.
Oscar Torres, a sales manager living in Doral, Florida—a city known for its large Venezuelan community—has been actively involved in these efforts. He shared, “Already this morning, I was looking at the group in Doral and everybody’s pitching in — money, medicine, water. First, necessity items.” Many others are joining in, eager to send help as soon as possible.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, were some of the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, causing severe damage to infrastructure, including the main airport in Caracas. This damage complicates the delivery of much-needed aid to those affected by the disaster. Images from the aftermath show heartbreaking scenes of children and adults trapped in rubble, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.
In addition to the confirmed casualties, many people are still missing, leaving families across the U.S. anxious for news. With over 770,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S., communities in states like Texas and Utah are mobilizing to provide support. In Houston, where there’s a significant Venezuelan population, residents are utilizing social media and community networks to coordinate donation efforts.
Local donation sites are receiving essential medical supplies such as gauze, bandages, antiseptics, and more. In Katy, a suburb of Houston nicknamed “Katyzuela” due to its high concentration of Venezuelans, community members are stepping up to assist those in need. Daniel Arenas, a local resident, translated Spanish-language posts into English to spread the word and encourage donations, stating, “I came to this country ten years ago, built a life here, but my heart is still in Venezuela.”
Arenas expressed concern for his wife’s aunt, who lives in Caracas and was in distress after the earthquakes. “She was crying and screaming and saying she was in pain but not sure from where,” he recounted. Fortunately, they were able to reach her later, but the situation underscores the urgency of the crisis.
In Florida, local officials and advocacy groups are actively promoting donation drives online and through news conferences. Torres, whose family members still live in Venezuela, is committed to contributing financially to these efforts, as he reported that some of his relatives were injured while fleeing from falling buildings during the earthquakes.
“Their homes are destroyed, and a few buildings have collapsed,” Torres shared. Thankfully, he added, “I don’t know anyone who passed away.” The resilience and determination of the Venezuelan community in the U.S. reflect the deep connections they maintain with their homeland, especially in times of crisis.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, the solidarity shown by Venezuelans abroad serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by this disaster. The impact of these earthquakes will be felt for a long time, but the efforts to provide aid and support demonstrate the strength and unity of a community dedicated to helping its own.
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Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. Marcelo reported from New York.
