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A growing Venezuelan community in Katy is stepping up to help after twin earthquakes killed more than 188 people<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n The response from Katy was immediate. Meta Box Cargo<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Community member Veruska Cano didn’t hesitate.<\/p>\n “Immediately, immediately, immediately,” she said of her need to help.<\/p>\n Cano said the images of the disaster stayed with her.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Jesus Nunez, who owns Meta Box Cargo, said the volume of donations coming in has been hard to keep up with.<\/p>\n “It’s a tragedy. It’s a tragedy. It’s the worst earthquake we’ve had in Venezuela,” Nunez said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cano said she believes the community’s efforts matter, even from a distance.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Nunez said he remains hopeful.<\/p>\n “Faith, faith God will always help us. Sooner or later, but will always get help,” Nunez said.<\/p>\n The first batch of supplies is set to ship out Monday.<\/p>\n Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at <\/em><\/strong>newstips@khou.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a> or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n