The Department of State announced that it will enable five collection centers for essential aid, as part of its response and collaboration plan following the earthquakes in Venezuela. The centers will be located in Guaynabo, Manatí, Ponce, Mayagüez, and Fajardo, and will operate from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The collection centers will accept donations such as medications, medical supplies, non-perishable food, and personal hygiene products. The government has established priorities for the collection based on meetings with Venezuelan organizations and community leaders in Puerto Rico.
The aid will be sent to Venezuela through Cáritas de Puerto Rico and Cáritas Internacionalis. The government of Puerto Rico has also made arrangements with the US Government and the US Embassy in Caracas to identify adequate processes and explore assistance opportunities for those affected by the earthquakes, which have left over 900 people missing and more than 3,000 injured.