Venezuelan Diaspora in Canary Islands Faces Uncertainty After Deadly Earthquakes

The Venezuelan community in the Canary Islands is facing a period of deep uncertainty following two major earthquakes—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude—that recently struck Venezuela. According to the Canary-Venezuelan Union Association, the preliminary death toll stands at 32, with 700 people injured. Because the quakes occurred on a national holiday, the Battle of Carabobo, many people were at home watching sporting events. Organizations in the Canary Islands fear the number of casualties will rise as rescue teams reach more remote areas.

The earthquakes severely damaged telecommunications, making it difficult to locate loved ones and causing significant distress for Venezuelans living in Spain. Agustín Rodríguez, vice president of the association, explained that their network of fifty local partners in Venezuela has been vital for gathering information. While none of their collaborators have been reported dead, many have suffered extensive damage to their homes.

Witnesses report that the first quake weakened buildings, causing them to collapse during the second, more powerful tremor. The destruction is being compared to the historic 1967 Caracas earthquake, though experts suggest this event may be even larger in scale.

In response, the Federation of Venezuelan Associations in Spain (FAVE) has launched an emergency relief plan. They are currently distributing medical supplies and basic necessities already stored within Venezuela while coordinating with international groups to send further aid. The primary focus remains assessing damage in areas where communication is still down, a process that will reveal the full extent of a crisis that has left the Venezuelan diaspora in the Canary Islands waiting anxiously for news.