Venezuelans in Saskatchewan Appeal for Aid After Devastating Quakes
Residents of Saskatchewan with ties to Venezuela are expressing deep concern and calling for sustained humanitarian assistance following two powerful earthquakes that struck their homeland. The seismic events, registering 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, have resulted in widespread destruction, with thousands reported missing and countless individuals displaced.
As of Thursday afternoon, official figures confirmed 188 fatalities, over 1,500 injuries, and an estimated 200 people trapped in the rubble. These numbers are expected to climb significantly, with some analyses suggesting the potential death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Community Efforts Underway
Betzabeth Jaramillo, a humanitarian activist who arrived in Saskatoon as a political refugee in 2023, has been actively working to connect Venezuelan expatriates in Saskatchewan with their families and friends back home. She described her efforts as crucial in disseminating information about missing persons through social media and coordinating with rescue centers, especially given the unstable communication networks.
“We try to encourage the people to go outside and help the people inside the buildings. I try to connect to the rescue centres to find people because, you know, their communication is unstable and we need all the hands inside Venezuela and outside to try to help them to resolve the situation,” Jaramillo stated.
The earthquakes caused the collapse of numerous buildings in the capital, Caracas. Emergency response teams are reportedly engaged in a desperate race against time to locate and rescue survivors amidst the debris.
A Plea for Support
Jaramillo issued an urgent appeal to Canadians, emphasizing the critical nature of the initial 72-hour rescue window. “Pray for Venezuelans because the first 72 hours are critical. We need to make a miracle for all people, for family, for friends. So if you can pray you can help us to send rescue teams, heavy machinery,” she urged.
Regina resident Asnoldo Prieto, who left Venezuela 16 years ago, described the situation as resembling a “war zone.” He expressed grave concerns about the country’s capacity to handle a disaster of this magnitude, citing a lack of adequate resources and an established emergency response plan.
“It looks like a war zone. It’s horrible, absolutely horrible,” Prieto said. “I cannot even start to imagine how difficult this must be for everyone.”
Economic and Structural Concerns
Prieto highlighted that Caracas is situated in a known fault zone, and many buildings are aging. He added that years of mismanagement have left questions about building code compliance and inspection histories, making a catastrophic event like this a long-feared possibility.
While Prieto confirmed the safety of his close family friends, he voiced deep concern for those who have lost their homes and possessions. “It’s scary to see all the disaster … That was their life savings, that was their houses. So what’s going to happen to all those people that literally have nothing now?” he questioned, pointing to the country’s precarious economic situation.
Government Response
Jaramillo and Prieto are urging the Canadian government to set aside diplomatic considerations and focus on providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the crisis.
In response to the unfolding disaster, the Canadian government has pledged an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support life-saving operations, including the provision of essential food, water, and medical care.
