INTERNATIONAL – BROOKLYNITES AND MEMBERS OF the Venezuelan community are organizing efforts to aid the South American country after two devastating earthquakes rocked its northern regions last week, reports News 12.
The death toll of Wednesday’s magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes stood at over 1,700, with thousands more still missing among nearly 800 collapsed buildings. Rescue work by civil and international aid teams, as well as the military and police, are underway, but conditions remain dire, according to the BBC.
Members of the diaspora community said they’re afraid for the safety of friends and family, who are sleeping outside due to fears of aftershocks and instability, and described the situation as surreal.
““It’s like an alternate reality because you cannot stop working. You’re not there. You’re not living there. But we’re mentally there,” Alejandra Ramos told News 12.
Volunteers are collecting donations of nonperishable food, medical supplies and hygiene items at Lulla’s Cafe, 169 Graham Ave., and at Casa Ora, 148 Meserole St., according to Secret NYC. City Hall also recommends donating money to the nonprofits Caritas and UN OCHA.
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