Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela late Wednesday night, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making them the strongest quakes to hit the country in over a century. The disasters, centered around the coastal city of La Guaira, have caused significant devastation, leaving close to 1,000 people dead and hundreds missing. The destruction has also displaced thousands, prompting urgent relief efforts both within Venezuela and from international communities, including groups based in Massachusetts.

In the days following the earthquakes, Venezuelan communities in the Boston area mobilized to provide aid and support. José Yavec Loor Sánchez, a Waltham resident whose mother lives in La Guaira, described the ordeal of trying to reconnect with family during the chaotic aftermath. After hours of uncertainty, Sánchez was able to confirm that his 76-year-old mother survived, although her home sustained heavy damage.

The Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts and Casa Venezuela New England responded swiftly by launching an emergency fundraising campaign aimed at supporting humanitarian organizations operating in Venezuela. Andrea Quiroga, board director of Casa Venezuela New England, emphasized the importance of financial donations, noting that monetary aid allows trusted organizations on the ground to procure essential supplies like food, medicine, clean water, and shelter without delay. She explained that while shipments of physical aid from the United States may take days or weeks to arrive, financial assistance can immediately address critical needs.

Locally, the archdiocese in the Boston area announced plans to hold a special collection in July at parishes to support the relief efforts. Additionally, the Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts is organizing a benefit bingo event at Carolicious Gourmet in Somerville this Sunday to further raise funds and awareness.

The international response has also been significant. Several countries, including the United States, which has pledged $150 million in aid, are dispatching teams to Venezuela for search and rescue missions. While these efforts have been welcomed, some community members stress the ongoing chronic challenges faced by Venezuela, independent of the recent disasters. As noted by Amaro, a community member involved in organizing support, the country has long struggled with shortages and resource limitations, making the earthquake’s impact even more severe.

Residents and organizations in Massachusetts continue to work to support displaced Venezuelans and their families through fundraising and information initiatives, highlighting the enduring need for aid as recovery efforts evolve in the affected regions.