DORAL, Fla. — People across South Florida are stepping up to help after a pair of earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving many worried about loved ones back home.

For Alegria Lusienchi, the uncertainty was overwhelming.

“I was terrified. I felt like my world was falling apart. It was truly, truly scary to not know where they were,” Lusienchi said.

She and her husband dropped off humanitarian aid Thursday as relief efforts got underway across South Florida.

Lusienchi said her family remains in Venezuela, where residents are dealing with the aftermath of the back-to-back earthquakes.

“The least we can do is try to help our family, our friends and everyone that is over there struggling,” she said. “It’s a very serious situation.”

Within 24 hours of the earthquakes, Doral leaders had organized several relief collection sites.

Local 10 News cameras were at Global Empowerment Mission as donations continued to arrive.

Maria Palma brought a trunk full of batteries and flashlights.

“We’re helping. We’re doing as much as we can,” Palma said.

Palma, a Venezuelan American, said she has been able to speak with her family.

“Fortunately, they’re all in good state, and safe,” she said. “That’s fortunate to say for today.”

Others without direct ties to Venezuela also showed up to help.

“It’s terrible,” Juan Martinez said. “You know, when you see the TV ... I almost cried.”

Leaders are encouraging people to donate through credible organizations. Monetary donations are also expected to play a key role in relief efforts.

Donations are being accepted around the clock at El Arepazo.

Related story: Doral opens 4 aid drop-off locations

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South Floridians step up to help after devastating earthquakes in Venezuela

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