Community Seeks Urgent Humanitarian Response Following Major Earthquakes
Venezuelan residents in Saskatchewan are expressing profound shock and deep concern as grim details emerge from their homeland following two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday. The seismic events, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have leveled buildings and left thousands unaccounted for, prompting urgent calls for international humanitarian support.
Mounting Casualties and Homelessness Emerge
As of Thursday afternoon, initial reports indicate a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Officials confirm 188 fatalities, with over 1,500 individuals sustaining injuries. A further 200 people are reportedly trapped in the rubble. The full extent of the disaster is still unfolding, with thousands still missing and countless more displaced from their homes.
Grassroots Efforts Underway to Connect Families
Betzabeth Jaramillo, a humanitarian activist who arrived in Saskatoon as a political refugee last year, has been working tirelessly to bridge communication gaps between Venezuelans in Saskatchewan and their loved ones back home. Her efforts include disseminating information about missing persons across social media platforms.
“We are encouraging people to go outside and assist those inside the buildings,” Jaramillo stated. “I am trying to connect with rescue centers to locate individuals, as communication lines are unstable. We need all hands on deck, both within Venezuela and from abroad, to help resolve this crisis.”
Catastrophic Impact and Grim Predictions
The earthquakes caused the collapse of numerous buildings, including in the capital city of Caracas. Emergency services are reportedly engaged in a desperate race against time to rescue thousands of people buried beneath the debris. The U.S. Geological Survey has issued stark estimates, suggesting the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Jaramillo issued an impassioned plea for global solidarity: “Pray for Venezuelans, as the first 72 hours are critical. We need a miracle for everyone, for families, for friends. If you can pray, you can help us by advocating for rescue teams and heavy machinery.”
‘It Looks Like a War Zone’
Regina resident Asnoldo Prieto, who left Venezuela 16 years ago, has close family friends in Caracas. He described the scene as “horrible, absolutely horrible,” likening it to a war zone.
Prieto expressed deep concern over the country’s preparedness, noting its lack of essential resources and a robust emergency response plan for a disaster of this magnitude. “I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for everyone,” he said.
He explained that Caracas is situated in a known fault zone, and many buildings are aged. “Added to that, with decades of misgovernance, not everyone knows if the buildings are up to code. Who knows when inspections last occurred? So, this was a long overdue event, and we were just bracing for it. It’s scary.”
Economic Hardship Exacerbates Crisis
While Prieto has confirmed the safety of his close family friends, he worries about the long-term prospects for those affected by the devastation. He highlighted the precarious state of the Venezuelan economy. “It’s scary to see all this disaster. That was their life savings, that was their houses. So what is going to happen to all those people who literally have nothing now?”
Call for Diplomatic Neutrality in Aid Efforts
Both Jaramillo and Prieto urged the Canadian government to set aside any diplomatic complexities with Venezuela and focus on providing immediate humanitarian assistance to those in crisis. In response, Canada has pledged an initial $5 million in humanitarian aid to support life-saving operations, including the provision of emergency food, water, and medical care.
