Lexington woman trying to reach relatives in Venezuela after deadly earthquakes

A Lexington family member is trying to make contact with relatives in Venezuela after a series of earthquakes was reported as deadly, according to a Lexington news report. Mirna Cerradas, the founder of Hispanic Connections in Lexington, said the situation has left her focused on reaching family members and confirming their safety amid widespread disruption in the South American country.

Cerradas, who leads Hispanic Connections locally, told LEX18 she has been attempting to reach relatives in Venezuela as information and communications become harder to obtain after major disasters. She described the immediate challenge as finding reliable updates and maintaining contact as families try to confirm where loved ones are located and whether they are safe.

The earthquakes have been reported as resulting in a high number of deaths and significant damage, adding urgency for families overseas who are searching for answers. For Cerradas, the effort is personal as well as community-connected, given her role in Lexington-based support work for Hispanic and Latino residents and her ongoing community ties.

LEX18 reported that Cerradas has been coordinating with relatives and trying to obtain updates through the communication channels available to families during a crisis. The report did not provide specific dates, casualty counts, or the exact earthquake locations beyond describing “a series of deadly earthquakes” in Venezuela.

As families attempt to locate one another after disasters, organizers often rely on interim information from local contacts and public updates to reduce the risk of rumors. In this case, Cerradas’ efforts highlight how international emergencies can quickly become a local concern for Kentucky residents who have family members abroad.

Cerradas’ next steps, as described by the report, center on continuing attempts to contact relatives and gather confirmed information so family members in Lexington can have clearer answers. Her work also reflects the broader need for accurate communication during major emergencies, especially when power, phone service, and transportation may be disrupted in affected areas.