B.C. and Venezuelan organizations mobilize aid after earthquakes
Burnaby search and rescue deployed to Venezuela; local community fundraising as death toll approaches 1,000.
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B.C. organizations are mobilizing aid efforts following two back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing hundreds and leaving thousands unaccounted for.
Seven members and two search dogs from Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue deployed early Saturday morning to Caracas to conduct search and rescue operations and provide medical aid. The team members—police officers, firefighters, and paramedics—are volunteering their time. The dogs are named Pele and Reuben.
Ivan Contrameastre, president of the Venezuelan Canadian Society of B.C., said the local community is devastated. "There's a lot of sadness, a lot of shock, a lot of worry about our family members in Venezuela. A lot of people are panicking because they couldn't get hold of their family members," he told media.
The society has launched an emergency fundraiser. "Their response has been phenomenal. We have many people reaching out to us, trying to figure out how they can help," Contrameastre said.
The death toll is approaching 1,000 countrywide, with thousands still missing and more than 200 aftershocks recorded. Search and rescue efforts, medical equipment shortages, and food supply challenges are pressing needs. Anyone wanting to support Burnaby's efforts can donate at burnabyusar.ca.
