Venezuelans living in South Florida scrambled to contact loved ones after two earthquakes struck Venezuela, leaving communities on edge. Among those unaccounted for was Jorge Erazo, a man who had recently been deported and was attempting to rebuild his life in his home country.

The earthquakes hit Venezuela while Erazo was trying to establish himself anew after deportation. His family and friends in the United States found themselves unable to reach him, highlighting how natural disasters can suddenly disrupt fragile fresh starts. The situation underscores the vulnerability of deportees who return to countries facing instability.

For Venezuela's diaspora community in South Florida, the quakes represented more than just concern for distant relatives. Many maintain strong economic and family ties to their homeland, sending remittances and supporting relatives through challenging times. When disasters strike, these networks become lifelines.

Erazo's story illustrates how deportation policies intersect with natural disasters, creating compounded crises for individuals and families. His missing status during these earthquakes demonstrates that starting over after deportation carries risks that extend beyond legal or economic challenges.