Triangle community sends aid after Venezuela earthquakes kill more than 1,400

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Members of the Venezuelan community in the Triangle are mobilizing to help after a pair of devastating earthquakes in Venezuela left widespread destruction.

Rescue crews continue searching through collapsed buildings following the quakes, which struck June 24. Venezuelan officials say over 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured. Search-and-rescue teams from multiple countries remain on the ground working to locate survivors.

For many Venezuelans living in North Carolina, the disaster is deeply personal.

"Structures are down. People are still missing. And there's a lot of people without housing," said Pastor Eliezer Hernandez of Iglesia Cristiana de Cary. "There is a need for water and the basic necessities for survival."

Hernandez said families across Venezuela are facing immense loss as communities struggle to recover.

"Emotionally, these people are bitter right now," Hernandez said. "I was with a brother this morning from Venezuela. His family lost it all, and so he was crying. He was broken."

The church has partnered with nonprofit organizations in Venezuela to collect emergency supplies for those affected.

"We're collecting all the first-aid need items as well as batteries and things of that nature," Hernandez said. "Also, we're sending lots of canned food and water."

In addition to gathering supplies, church members are offering emotional and spiritual support for those grieving the loss of loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

"Don't forget about prayer," Hernandez said. "They need not only food to eat, water to drink and a place to stay, but they need to be lifted up in their emotions and in their spirits because it's pretty difficult."

The church is accepting donations throughout the week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Cary location.

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