Philanthropy Venezuela Coping
Kelly Granado, whose parents died in Venezuela's June 24 earthquakes, poses for photos at her restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.
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Venezuelans in the U.S. are grappling with the aftermath of the devastating back-to-back earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, killing at least 6,500 people, with thousands more still missing. Kelly Granado Montano, who lost her parents in the disaster, fundraised for search efforts from afar. Alejandro Marquina, who lost five relatives, found solace in sending aid. Diana Ramos raised funds to repair her damaged school. Meanwhile, Dariela Merchan, an emergency room nurse, sends supplies and messages of hope to healthcare workers in Venezuela. Many in the diaspora feel a responsibility to keep the spotlight on Venezuela's ongoing challenges.
Kelly Granado Montano, a Venezuelan living in the U.S., has been grappling with the aftermath of devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Her parents went missing under the rubble of their apartment building, and she spent weeks fundraising and searching for them. They were eventually found, but not alive. Granado Montano turned her Los Angeles restaurant into a relief hub to help others affected. Meanwhile, Venezuelans in the U.S. like nurse Dariela Merchan and student Alejandro Marquina are also dealing with the crisis, sending aid and raising awareness. The earthquakes have left many feeling powerless and uncertain about the future.
