Venezuelans Abroad Mobilize Earthquake Relief Despite Caracas Airport Being Closed
MIAMI — Venezuelans in the United States are rushing to organize donation drives after devastating earthquakes struck their home country, killing at least 188 people and injuring hundreds more, officials said.
The 7.2‑ and 7.5‑magnitude quakes Wednesday night severely damaged the country’s main airport in Caracas, which could hamper efforts to get aid in quickly. The tremors were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century.
In Florida, Texas, and Utah, communities are mobilizing. Oscar Torres, a sales manager in Doral, Florida — home to the largest Venezuelan population in the US said he watched WhatsApp groups fill with offers of money, medicine, and water. “They’re talking about making the first shipment ASAP,” he said.
In the Houston area, residents used Facebook and social media to spread the word about local donation sites. First aid supplies — gauze, bandages, antiseptics, gloves, syringes, thermometers are in high demand. Many collection points are in Katy, a suburb nicknamed “Katyzuela” for its high concentration of Venezuelans.
Daniel Arenas, a maritime consultant who moved to the US a decade ago, shared a translated post on LinkedIn urging donations. “I came to this country ten years ago, built a life here, but my heart is still in Venezuela,” he said. His wife’s aunt in Caracas sent a desperate message after the quakes, saying she had lost everything.
More than 770,000 Venezuelans live in the US. With thousands missing and communication disrupted, families are scrambling for updates. Local officials and advocacy groups are coordinating relief efforts, though the airport closure adds a logistical hurdle. Torres, who still has family in Caracas and Valencia, said some relatives were injured fleeing buildings. “Their homes are destroyed and a few buildings have collapsed,” he said. “Thankfully, I don’t know anyone who passed away.”
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