SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A local woman sat down with WSAV to discuss how she and her family are navigating the loss of loved ones who were killed in a devastating Venezuelan earthquake.

On Wednesday, June 24, Venezuela was struck by a deadly earthquake. Families all over the world were left mourning, including those now living in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

Darita Gutierrez, or also known as Mrs. D at a local elementary school, shared her families devastating story as they live in one of the epicenters.

“Just devastating, can’t be there, can’t help, don’t really know what is going on,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez is originally from Venezuela but moved to the states a couple of years ago. When she moved, she left behind her mother and many family members.

Gutierrez said that Wednesday started as a normal day. She said she was texting with her mom, something that is a daily routine. She didn’t know anything was happening until she received a message from her cousin.

“One of my cousins is still in Venezuela but he is in a different state,” Gutierrez said. “He just text me ‘Do you know something from mom?’ and I was like I was just texting with her ten minutes ago.”

She said earthquakes aren’t unusual in Venezuela but was shocked to hear about the magnitude of the one that hit one June 24.

“[Her cousin] said it was really bad, so now in that moment I started texting my mom and we didn’t get any answer,” Gutierrez said. “Then we noticed nothing was going through.”

Gutierrez said in a matter of seconds her and her family’s lives were forever changed. It took over 24 hours until she found out her mom was safe, Gutierrez said.

“My mom got back to me, saying she was okay, she is just in shock,” Gutierrez said.

However, then came the bad news. Gutierrez learned four family members lost their lives, and one was left severely injured. Their homes were completely turned to rubble, with all of their belongings inside.

“One of my cousins lost one of her sons and her daughter is in the hospital in a compromised situation,” Gutierrez said. “One of my other cousins she lost her two daughters, her husband and their house. So, it is like she has nothing left.”

Gutierrez said she thousands of miles away and left completely heartbroken. Her cousin is left having to pay for the bodies of their loved ones so they can have a proper funeral.

Many are left without power, water and other daily necessities. Gutierrez said many are left sleeping in their cars because they no longer have a roof over their heads.

“We need help and we need a lot of help,” Gutierrez said. “My family needs help, everyone lost someone there.”

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help aid their rebuilding process and help purchase daily necessities.

Source: https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/just-devastating-local-woman-reeling-after-losing-several-family-members-in-deadly-earthquake/