Josney Peroza, owner of Ukelele Foods Venezuelan food truck in Delray Beach, learned of a devastating disaster when news alerts reported two powerful earthquakes striking his home country. The quakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes and struck seconds apart. When images began circulating, Peroza saw a video showing the building where his mother lived in the coastal state of La Guaira had collapsed. Communication in Venezuela became nearly impossible after the disaster, with power cut and connections blocked. Hours of uncertainty followed before Peroza received a call at 3 a.m. confirming his mother was alive but trapped under the rubble. Relatives and neighbors worked with bare hands to free her from the collapsed concrete and metal structure.
Peroza's mother suffered a broken hip and requires surgery after being rescued. She also lost her home in the collapse.
Speaking about the broader humanitarian crisis, Peroza explained that survivors in La Guaira face a catastrophic situation with no power, no water, and no shelter. He emphasized that Venezuela lacks the infrastructure and equipment needed to respond to a disaster of this magnitude. The country's buildings are constructed primarily of concrete and metal, making rescue efforts extremely difficult without proper tools. Officials confirmed nearly 200 people have died and at least 1,000 others have been injured. Peroza stressed the urgent need for international assistance, and the United States has pledged to send rescue crews to help.
When asked if his mother's survival was a miracle, Peroza answered without hesitation, saying it absolutely was. He reflected on the scale of destruction, noting the building had 12 to 15 floors and likely housed about 100 families. He emphasized that his mother's rescue proves other survivors may still be found alive under the rubble if rapid international response occurs. Peroza is concerned about what comes next for survivors, as there will be no commercial activity, employment, or clear plans for food and shelter in the coming days.
Despite the crisis, Peroza said he does not plan to travel to Venezuela. Instead, he believes he can help his mother and his country more effectively from Florida, where he can work to secure her a new house and continue operating his food truck. He described his business as more than a place to eat, calling it "a cultural Venezuelan experience that we share with the community" or "Venezuela without a passport." Peroza plans to continue serving customers while telling his country's story and working to draw international attention to Venezuela's urgent humanitarian needs. He urged those waiting for news from loved ones to trust in hope and the possibility that rescue teams will arrive in time.