BERKS COUNTY, Pa. — The first thing José Parra did after hearing about the earthquakes was grab his phone.
“I started looking for information and trying to communicate with my family, but I couldn’t reach my brothers in Venezuela,” said Parra, known in the community as DJ Chamo King.
Hours later, he finally got some good news through relatives in Texas. His immediate family is safe.
However, he says many relatives are scattered across the country, and he’s still waiting to hear from others.
“My brothers have sent me some videos. They tell me the situation is chaotic,” Parra said.
Venezuela’s health minister told state media that at least 235 people have been killed and more than 4,300 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck the country Wednesday night.
Parra says the damage comes as Venezuela was already facing major economic and humanitarian challenges.
“The country is not prepared… not even at the level of hospitals or emergency services,” he said.
That’s why, he says, help from outside the country will be critical.
“If the international community doesn’t help, it’s going to be very difficult to rescue people who are trapped,” Parra said.
Now, he’s working with other Venezuelans in Berks County to figure out the best way to help.
“We’re thinking about how to raise funds. Right now, we’re looking for a nonprofit organization that can help us get those resources to the right people in Venezuela,” Parra said.