A growing Venezuelan community in Katy is stepping up to help after twin earthquakes killed more than 188 people, injured more than 1,500 and leveled buildings in Venezuela on Wednesday. Authorities say the country hasn’t seen devastation like this in a century, and the death toll is expected to rise as search and recovery efforts continue.
The response from Katy was immediate. Meta Box Cargo, a local shipping business, has turned its locations into collection points, gathering medical supplies, hygiene products, clothing and non-perishable food to ship to Caracas.
Community member Veruska Cano didn’t hesitate.
“Immediately, immediately, immediately,” she said of her need to help.
Cano said the images of the disaster stayed with her.
“I tried to close my eyes, and the only thing I could think of is the people under the buildings that collapsed. The people that passed away,” Cano said.
Jesus Nunez, who owns Meta Box Cargo, said the volume of donations coming in has been hard to keep up with.
“It’s a tragedy. It’s a tragedy. It’s the worst earthquake we’ve had in Venezuela,” Nunez said.
The earthquakes were so powerful that parts of Colombia and Brazil also felt them. Damaged buildings still standing pose ongoing safety risks, and a state of emergency has already been declared. The US is also sending federal aid to the region.
Cano said she believes the community’s efforts matter, even from a distance.
“When we are going through situations like that, we all come together and help each other, even though we are really far, far, away,” she said.
Nunez said he remains hopeful.
“Faith, faith God will always help us. Sooner or later, but will always get help,” Nunez said.
The first batch of supplies is set to ship out Monday.
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