Deadly Venezuela earthquakes leave families separated as flights are cancelled

Venezuela is reeling after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck the country overnight Wednesday, leaving at least 188 dead and hundreds injured. The tremors caused widespread destruction in densely populated regions, separating families and disrupting travel, with flights now cancelled. Members of Venezuela's Canadian community expressed relief that their loved ones were safe but voiced concerns about the full extent of the disaster and the challenges ahead. Luis Hernandez, owner of a Venezuelan café in Toronto, said his primary concern was contacting his family, including six siblings in Caracas. While they were unharmed, he fears the true scale of the tragedy is yet unknown, estimating that thousands could be affected. Hernandez also noted the difficulty in relying on official government information, with social media and personal networks being the primary sources of news. Jennyfer Chirinos, a café employee, shared her relief that her mother had arrived safely in Caracas just days before the quakes, but her father's flight was cancelled, leaving him stranded. The community is anxiously awaiting more information from authorities on the ground. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing for a potentially long recovery process. Kelsey Lemon, vice-president of international cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross, stated that initial efforts are focused on search and rescue, followed by providing shelter, food, and water. The organization is assessing needs and preparing to deploy essential supplies like hygiene kits and solar lights, along with personnel to assist.

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It could be thousands of people that we don’t even know about yet.