A series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through the country and raising alarms among the Venezuelan diaspora in Canada. With a death toll confirmed at 188 and nearly 1,000 injured, families are left grappling with uncertainty and fear for their loved ones back home.
A Night of Fear and Uncertainty
When Jesus Arzola received the devastating news about the earthquakes, his immediate concern turned to his family’s safety. “I’m sorry,” were the first words he heard from a friend. As the tremors rattled the capital city of Caracas, Arzola spent the night desperately trying to reach his siblings. By Thursday morning, he learned that while most of his family was safe, one sister remained unaccounted for. “I saw the building where she lived; it’s completely gone,” he recounted, visibly shaken.
The seismic events, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, are among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century. The destruction has been widespread, with many buildings collapsing and the international airport near Caracas forced to close. As the situation unfolds, the number of casualties is expected to rise, leaving many families in a state of anguish.
The Diaspora’s Growing Concern
For Canadians with ties to Venezuela, the earthquakes have intensified fears surrounding their families’ safety and the ongoing political instability in the country. According to the 2021 census, approximately 27,000 Venezuelans reside in Canada. Meriely Arias, a Surrey resident originally from Venezuela, expressed her relief that her family is safe but acknowledged the long road to recovery that lies ahead.
“It feels like we can’t catch a break,” Arias lamented. Family members in Venezuela have been forced to sleep in their cars, fearing aftershocks could lead to further collapses. The anxiety permeates the Venezuelan community in Canada, as many await news of their relatives while navigating their own worries.
A Doctor’s Perspective
Lila Vega, a Canadian citizen and physician in Caracas, experienced the tremors firsthand. Having lived through smaller quakes, she described Wednesday’s ordeal as unlike anything she had felt before. “We just grabbed onto a column and waited it out,” she said, explaining that while her home remained intact, several structures in her vicinity were not as fortunate, resulting in fatalities.
As recovery efforts commenced, Dr. Vega began coordinating medical supplies for hospitals in dire need. “To get medical care, people must bring their own supplies,” she explained, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking help in the already struggling health system. The current crisis has prompted fears of an escalating humanitarian disaster, but Dr. Vega holds onto hope that it may also serve as a catalyst for unity in a divided nation.
Canada’s Response to the Crisis
In light of the tragedy, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand described the situation as “heartbreaking,” acknowledging the immense suffering faced by Venezuelans. The Canadian government has pledged $5 million towards humanitarian aid, which will be distributed through trusted partners in the region. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also addressed the urgency of the situation, noting that Canada will adapt its support as required.
Despite the challenges posed by a lack of diplomatic presence in Venezuela, officials are working to ensure that aid reaches those in need. The Canadian Red Cross is in contact with local relief organisations and is poised to support disaster response efforts as the situation develops.
Back in Canada, Arzola is preparing to take matters into his own hands. He has booked a flight to Colombia and plans to cross the border into Venezuela to assist in recovery efforts. “It’s a very, very difficult time,” he said, reflecting the gravity of the circumstances.
Why it Matters
The recent earthquakes in Venezuela not only highlight the immediate humanitarian crisis but also underscore the broader socio-political instability that has plagued the nation for years. As families are torn apart and communities are devastated, the solidarity demonstrated by the Venezuelan diaspora in Canada serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections that bind them to their homeland. This disaster may become a pivotal moment, challenging both the resilience of the Venezuelan people and the international community’s commitment to providing support in their time of need.
