It has been more than a week since a pair of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, and the death toll is rising, the displaced and missing are reaching almost unfathomable numbers, and the devastation of buildings and infrastructure is spread across multiple states along the coast and buried in tons of rubble.

While help is entering the country from many corners of the world, the owners, management, employees, and even customers of Imeca Lumber & Hardware are helping out, said Jose Munera, communications manager for the company.

"As soon as we got news of what happened, we offered our logistics, our trucks, to move goods from certain stores to storage centers," said Munera. "Through our foundation, I AM IMECA, and through Imeca Venezuela, we are now prioritizing the sending of money. Fortunately, thanks to all the great contributions, it allows us to buy all the necessary and urgent items in Venezuela and get them to the communities that are in most need."

The amount of goods and financial contributions collected and sent to Venezuela through Imeca's efforts is not currently known, but Munera, speaking at the Wood Pro Expo Show, said it has been uplifting to see how people from all over the world have contributed to this cause. 

“Americans, countries from Europe, Colombians, Cubans, Peruvians, they're all sending help," he said. "It is a difficult time for our company, which is a Venezuelan company, but this situation has shown us how strong humanity can get in difficult times, and we're trying to send as much hope as possible to Venezuela."

Imeca Lumber & Hardware is rooted in Venezuelan heritage. The company originally started in Venezuela in 1975, and in 2002 opened its first branch in the U.S. in Miami. Decades later, its founders—the Cocchiola family—expanded operations to the United States, opening their very first U.S. branch in Miami, Florida in 2002. The family-owned business operates dual networks across both nations, running Imeca USA throughout Florida and continuing its presence via Imeca Venezuela. In the U.S. the company has more than 30 locations, primarily in Florida, but also in Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. 

The historic doublet of earthquakes occurred 39 seconds apart with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was centered near the Caribbean coast, approximately 100 miles west of Caracas. More than 450 aftershocks have been recorded, according to World Vision, hampering rescue efforts and increasing the danger for people living in damaged buildings.

More than 2,200 deaths have been recorded, with the U.S. Geological Survey estimating a high likelihood of the final toll reaching into the thousands. Over 11,000 people sustained injuries, and up to 15,800 people have been displaced, while the UN notes that nearly 6.8 million residents could be impacted by widespread power and water outages. Thousands of people, perhaps as many as 50,000 people, reports ABC News, remain unaccounted for.

Reportedly, more than 50,000 buildings, including high-rises in Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding coastal areas, have collapsed or been heavily damaged. At least 13 hospitals sustained damage, complicating emergency medical responses, World Vision reports. The country’s main international airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), near Caracas, was closed due to heavy damage.