Local Venezuelan community reacts to catastrophic earthquakes

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Powerful earthquakes in Venezuela are being felt far beyond the epicenter, sparking fear and frantic calls among people in Coastal Georgia with family and friends back home.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported two strong quakes Wednesday evening, measuring 7.2 and 7.5. Venezuelan officials reported hundreds killed and thousands injured, with rescue crews searching for survivors and communities beginning the long process of rebuilding.

In Pooler, Eric Mendoza said the images out of Venezuela have been hard to process. Mendoza, a barber at The Barber Post who is originally from Caracas, said it’s not something he ever expected to see in his home country.

“I had a lot of friends who lost their family,” Mendoza said. “My family is good, thank God. But, I have a lot of friends who lost a lot of people there.”

In Savannah, Jose Dos-Reys said the waiting has been the worst part — trying to hear back from friends as information trickled in.

“I don’t know if they have a life or dead maybe,” Dos-Reys said.

Dos-Reys said his father has a business in La Guaira, where damage was concentrated, and he didn’t feel relief until he finally heard his family was safe. Both he and Mendoza said beyond the destruction itself, they worry about whether survivors will have access to basic supplies and medical care.

“You no have hospital, you no have medicine, you no have any services over there,” Mendoza said. “It’s sad… I think my country need a lot of help.”

A Georgia-based nonprofit, Venezuela Now, said its local leaders are already working on relief efforts in the devastated areas and the organization is accepting donations.