Chinese community groups in quake-hit Venezuela sprang into action overnight after a pair of powerful earthquakes, sending emergency supply convoy to frontline rescuers in the disaster zone. Two consecutive quakes, measuring 7.2-magnitude and 7.5 magnitude, hit Venezuela on Wednesday.
In the wake of the twin devastating earthquakes, local Chinese communities and chambers of commerce worked throughout the night to gather essential disaster relief tools, high-powered generators, emergency lighting equipment, and first-aid supplies, and drove to the disaster-stricken front lines. "These tools are all brand new. We actually shipped more over there than what we have here. Around 02:00, as soon as we heard the news, we handed the equipment over to the rescue teams. I didn't get back until 07:00, because Caracas still needed our help. My brother-in-law stayed over there and didn't return until 09:00," said Cen Zhuobin, a local Chinese. "This is my eldest son. He went straight in and helped out with the heavy work, like moving rocks or something," said Liang Chaohua, another Chinese. Overseas Chinese in quake-hit Venezuela had donated about 500 tons of relief supplies as of Sunday, said the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela.
The supplies, donated by the Federation of Chinese Associations in Venezuela and other Chinese community groups, include bottled water, biscuits, diapers, milk, rice, sugar and fish, benefiting nearly 10,000 families affected by the disaster.
"After the twin earthquakes, we Chinese compatriots in Venezuela stand together with the Venezuelan people. Today, at our association, everyone came to the scene to help -- the youngest is just 13 years old. Everyone wants to do their part," said Li Guozhong, vice-chairman of the Federation of Chinese Associations in Venezuela.
Chinese community groups in Venezuela pool relief efforts after powerful quakes
