Two major earthquakes in Venezuela have left thousands dead, prompting deep concern among the Venezuelan community in Ottawa who fear for their relatives back home. CTV's Kimberley Johnson spoke to community members who expressed feelings of helplessness as they struggle to get information and offer support from afar.
Earthquake devastation in Venezuela
The earthquakes struck within hours of each other, causing widespread destruction across several states. According to reports, the death toll has surpassed 2,000, with thousands more injured and missing. Rescue teams are working around the clock to search for survivors amid collapsed buildings and debris.
Ottawa resident Maria Gonzalez, originally from Caracas, said she has been unable to reach her parents for two days. “I feel completely helpless. The phone lines are down, and I don’t know if they are alive or dead,” she told CTV News.
Community worries and support
The Venezuelan Association of Ottawa has set up a hotline and is coordinating with aid organizations to provide updates and support. Association president Carlos Lopez said the community is in shock. “Many of us have family and friends in the affected areas. We are doing everything we can to stay connected and offer emotional support to each other,” he said.
Local churches and community centers are organizing fundraising events and donation drives for emergency supplies. The Canadian government has pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid and is working with international partners to facilitate relief efforts.
Impact on diaspora
The earthquakes come at a time when Venezuela is already facing a severe economic and political crisis. Many Venezuelans in Ottawa left their homeland due to instability and now worry that the disaster will worsen conditions for those who remain. “We came here for a better life, but our hearts are still in Venezuela. This tragedy makes us feel even more distant and powerless,” said another community member, Jose Rodriguez.
Experts say that natural disasters can have a profound psychological impact on diaspora communities, especially when communication with loved ones is cut off. The Ottawa Venezuelan community is urging the government to expedite visa processing for family members who may need to travel to Canada for humanitarian reasons.
International response
Several countries have offered assistance, including the United States, Spain, and Mexico. The United Nations has deployed assessment teams to evaluate the scale of the damage. Meanwhile, Venezuelan authorities have declared a state of emergency and are appealing for international aid.
“We are grateful for the support from Canada and other nations,” said Venezuelan Ambassador to Canada, Wilmer Barrientos. “But the needs are enormous. We need more than just money; we need medical supplies, search-and-rescue equipment, and temporary shelters for the displaced.”
For the Venezuelan community in Ottawa, the wait for news continues. As one resident put it, “Every minute feels like an hour. We just want to hear that our families are safe.”
