SWFL Venezuelans organize relief after deadly earthquake

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (WINK) — As rescue crews continue searching for survivors following devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, members of Southwest Florida’s Venezuelan community are turning their focus to helping loved ones thousands of miles away.

Officials say over 180 people have died and nearly 1,000 others have been injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela Wednesday evening. Search and rescue efforts remain underway as crews continue digging through collapsed buildings.

For Babcock Ranch resident Kat Higdon, the tragedy is deeply personal.

Most of her family lives in Caracas. While she says they are safe, some of their homes suffered damage, forcing relatives to spend the night sleeping outside as aftershocks continued.

“They all gathered together, helping each other and trying to protect each other,” Higdon said. “They were waiting for another aftershock, and it happened at two o’clock in the morning. It wasn’t as strong as they were expecting, thank God, but at least they were all together trying to help each other.”

Higdon shared photos with WINK News showing her family sleeping in the streets alongside neighbors, afraid to return to damaged buildings.

She says many communities are also struggling without electricity, water and reliable communications, making it difficult for families to check on loved ones.

“It’s devastating,” Higdon said. “I feel frustrated. Like many of my community here in Southwest Florida, we’re all trying to gather together and figure out how we can help.”

That effort is already underway. Rohel Tovar, founder of Casa Venezuela Southwest Florida, says the nonprofit is working with more than 180 Venezuelan organizations across the United States to coordinate humanitarian relief.

The organization plans to establish donation drop-off locations in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples once logistics are finalized. Tovar says one of the greatest immediate needs is basic medical supplies.

“Even something as simple as a bottle of Tylenol, ibuprofen or diclofenac makes a huge difference for families who are suffering and don’t have access to basic medicine,” Tovar said.

While organizers continue working on transportation and distribution plans, Higdon is urging people to be patient and only donate through trusted organizations. She warns that scams often appear following major disasters and says people should verify where their donations are going before contributing money or supplies.

Casa Venezuela Southwest Florida says it expects to share donation locations and a list of needed supplies through its social media pages once collection sites are ready.

“You’re not alone,” she said. “We are with you, we are praying with you, and we’re going to stand with you.”