The Venezuelan community on Vancouver Island is anxiously watching events unfold after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, leaving widespread destruction and families desperate for news of loved ones.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck less than a minute apart, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The first quake hit about 160 kilometres west of Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, making it the country’s strongest seismic event in more than a century.
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For many Venezuelans living on Vancouver Island, the hours following the disaster were filled with fear as communication with family members became difficult.
“It was a very scary situation and it still is because there have been aftershocks after the earthquake,” said Andrea Reina.
Reina said she repeatedly tried to contact her father before finally hearing the words she had been hoping for.
“I kept calling. Seven times I called my dad. Finally, he answered, ‘Oh, I’m okay, I’m okay.’ We felt it. It was very strong,” she said.
For Griselda Martin, the wait to hear from her family lasted several agonizing hours.
“My mom said, ‘I’m alive because the building didn’t collapse,’” Martin recalled. She said the destruction has left many people searching for missing relatives.
“Right now the situation is very sad. Many, many buildings are on the ground. Many people are trying to look for their family,” she said.
Three days after the disaster, grief is giving way to frustration as criticism grows over the pace of the emergency response.
“It goes from sadness right away to anger. How is it possible that nothing has been done immediately? How has the response been so slow?” Trejo said with anger.
Some Venezuelan’s have criticized the Venezuelan government and interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, saying aid has not reached devastated communities quickly enough.
“It’s a shame. Lots of people from different sectors, not thinking in political biases, are trying to help,” said Antonio Oquendo, treasurer of the Venezuelan Canadian Society of B.C. “The Venezuelan regime right now is trying to concentrate all that help as if the help was from them, and they are being an obstacle.”
Despite the devastation, the Venezuelan community on Vancouver Island is coming together through public prayer gatherings and fundraising events. The money raised will help loved ones purchase essentials such as food, medication and fuel.
Canada has announced $5 million in humanitarian aid to support emergency relief efforts in Venezuela.
As recovery efforts continue, families on Vancouver Island say they remain focused on supporting loved ones from afar while hoping aid reaches those who need it most.
READ MORE: Desperate race to rescue survivors in Venezuela enters Day 3 after deadly twin quakes