Venezuelans living in Puerto Rico have spent long hours waiting for news about their loved ones after powerful earthquakes hit their home country. Suyín Huertas, a Venezuelan journalist residing in Puerto Rico, said she and her family have barely slept, trying to get updates on their relatives.
They were able to contact one family member, but are still waiting to hear from another who was in a hospital during the earthquakes. Mary Carmen Díaz, vice president of Casa Venezuela Puerto Rico, felt relieved to learn that her family members were safe, but expressed concern about the response and recovery process in Venezuela due to lack of communication and power outages.
Sylvia Casado, from the Asociación de Venezolanos en Puerto Rico, reported that her family members are shaken but safe. The Departamento de Estado de Puerto Rico has contacted Casado and Díaz to begin coordinating aid efforts.