BBC News Online users give their accounts of the effects of the flooding in Venezuela.

I've never been to Venezuela but I've never been this upset for a country outside the US. I, and my husband have thought about going down to help. Can someone let us know how to help?
Eliza Delkan , USA

I feel really sorry for the people of Venezuela and hope they will manage to go ahead and overcome all the difficulties brought by this disaster. And a question for governments of the world most powerful countries: How much cost just one war you wage in the name of so called democracy and human rights? How much will be given to the people of Venezuela to help them rebuild their country?
Alex, Canada

I can only say we need help, we basically lost a State with most of the people that lived there. some sources say that there might even be 100,000 dead. please help. send anything you can
Alejandro, Venezuela

My name is Sophie, I would like to say to Madeline, Canada that I understand very well her feelings. My boyfriend lives in Caracas with his family and I haven't seen him for 5 months I had the intention to go there for Christmas. I have planned my travel for many months but my dream didn't come true now I do my best to go there with the red cross but it's very difficult since I am only 22 years old and I haven't got my "licence of chemistry (pharmacist). I try to find another way to go to Caracas¿please write me Madeline: sophiedepaigne@hotmail.com
Sophie Depaigne, France

I am a Panamanian working in the relief efforts in Honduras. I know the trauma of being a victim of such devastating power as flooding and lands slide because of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras. The place where I was, was almost completely inundated. Many died in our area, but I learned that unity, solidarity, love, compassion and hope are so powerful and needed in time of trial. That is why I offer my condolences to the Venezuelan people and pray that the Lord bless the nation with strength and hope for the future. We want to help Venezuela in the rebuilding. I will be making a trip to Caracas this Friday, December 24,1999, to help organise similar efforts. I beg people to help those who are trying to assist Venezuela today. To my Venezuelan friends in Caracas, Maracay and Vargas and in many other places I wish for you a prompt recovery and please know that many of us Latin Americans and North Americans are thinking of you and doing what we can to come to your aid. May God bless you
Norbero Otero, Panama and Honduras

I am a Venezuelan living in Bangkok. I am devastated to see all what has happened in my country. I wish I could help, I wish I was closer so I could help people in my area of work (crisis intervention). I would like to thank BBC for the wonderful coverage of the whole situation. You are the only International News Station from where I can obtain reliable and daily information. Your coverage not only is total but it is also done with humanity. Thank you so much.
Milagros Diaz-Martel, Thailand

I'm a Venezuelan musician living in Denver, USA. My former teacher and his family lost everything since he lived in Caraballeda, right where the worst happened. Thank goodness he and his family are OK. Some of my colleagues and I are organising fund raisings to send the money to the Red Cross and help to cope with this tragedy.
Rodolfo Betancourt, USA

This is an awful tragedy. I sometimes think I am going to wake up from this nightmare, but it is not so. Venezuela has a very young population and the children are the ones suffering the most, especially in this Christmas Season. They have lost it all, some even their own parents. It is time to forget about politics and give support to those in great material, spiritual and emotional needs. The real hard work has just begun!
Deyanira Garcia, Venezuela

I just read so many great comments and felt that even though we are so far apart from each other in this precious world, the human heart is bigger as we face trials and tribulations. Thanks to all of you from all over the world who have made themselves known to us, and thanks for showing how much you care. I am from Caracas, Venezuela, and now I live in Manhattan, Kansas. Thanks to God my family are okay, but the people who many times saw me on the streets when I was growing up are now in heaven...they have become the angels of God. Each one of you who has helped and sent messages are now our Angels, God Bless.
Tibisay Marin, USA

On behalf of India and Indians we would like to convey our deepest sorrow on this tragedy. There was a similar disaster in Orissa, India last month and Indians are well aware of the human suffering it has caused. Venezuelans are in the prayers of all Indians. India and Indians should do as much possible to help fellow Venezuelans.
M. Sarwar, USA

Being a Venezuelan who still has a parent, siblings and extended family living in Caracas I was very distressed to hear about the devastation and death in my country. Luckily my family lives in Altamira, in Caracas, and is safe, although frightened. My heart and prayers go out to everyone who has suffered from this tragedy. I thank the people of the world who have given aid and offered prayers for my country. Thank you and God bless you.
Ana Prieto Vogel, United States

I´m located at Barquisimeto, which is around 400 kilometers West from Caracas. To all those worried about the affected areas, the tragedy touched the Vargas State North-Central to the Caribbean Sea; Miranda State, very close to Caracas; Zulia and Yaracuy. The real catastrophe was at Vargas (also called Litoral Central) Fortunatelly, people from the other states were evacuated before the water ran through. In the middle of this crisis, we Venezuelans are deeply happy, because all the kindness shown by our people, as well as foreigns. It is great to the world, that at this time a Cuban doctor is curing a child, while an US Marine Corp is rescuing another. WE WILL COME OVER FROM THIS...
Sergio Machado, Caracas-Venezuela

The piece by Alex Kirby on the total disaster suffered by Venezuela is scandalous. To associate "Venezuela" and "privatisation" in the same paragraph displays a total lack of knowledge about what has happened in this country over the last 40 years. The BBC needs do better than this to justify its claims to be an accurate source of global information.
Howard Moles, Venezuela

Reports suggest some 50,000 deaths and over 200,000 homeless. The UK Govt "pledges" £ 0.5M, the US some $ 1.5M. Clearly this is not a humanitarian catastrophe, if it was then these nations would surely be prepared to spend a similar amount to that spent on Kosovo bombing. That led to an expenditure of millions of dollars per day. Recall that when NATO started their campaign ONLY 2,000 people had died in KLA/FRY skirmishes. Lets not be deceived, the western powers do not care about humanitarian catastrophes, and their claims that they do are lies. The US are spending much more that $ 1.5M right now in Colombia covertly supporting anti-democratic militias. How dare Clinton, Blair and others lie to us over and over again.
Hugh Gleaves, UK

Four and a half years ago my family moved from London to Caracas. I was only 8 and this was a very emotional time for me As we drove from La Guaira airport I saw the "Barios" (Shanty towns) and I cried my eyes out. Coming from a 4 bedroom house in Surrey this was a massive shock. I wondered If I was going to live in one of these makeshift houses. To my relief I didn't, and I instead experienced the rich country club side, that was neither my style. We had a maid that lived in Petare and I really do fear for her life. Venezuela is in my view the most naturally gifted country in the world. The jungle landscape of Canaima with it's breath taking Angel falls is beyond words, and in my life I have never experienced more idyllic beaches. My friends, when I talk of Venezuela all think of it as 3rd World. They couldn't be more wrong. All of the "poor" are all well clothed and clean, and have patriotism like I have never seen. My only hope this Navidad is that all my friends over there are all right and their amazing spirit isn't broken
Sanjay Patel, UK

I recently spent a year living in Venezuela and had a wonderful time. I found the people warm and friendly, so warm in fact that I am to marry a wonderful Venezuelan lady early next year. Both my fiancée and I are saddened at recent events in the country, and very concerned for the people of Venezuela. In particular our friends Xiomara and Jhon Marin and their family all of whom were living in La Guaira. To them we send our special love at this time. Be strong, the rest of the world is with you and helping you.
Alan Platt, United Kingdom

International K-9 Search and Rescue Services is available to help those of you looking for someone who is missing in this disaster. Contact: IK9SARS at (503) 618-0497. Email: searchdog@cnnw.net Web: www.k9sardog.com
Harry Oakes, USA

I cannot express how saddened I am by this tragedy. I have lived in the US for most of my life. I cannot begin to imagine what these people, who have lost everything, are suffering. I would like to offer my sympathies and condolences. I am willing to help out in any way I can. Please contact me if I can be of any help in this unfortunate crisis.
Hernando Ospina, USA

I was recently in Turkey in their first major earthquake of this year. It was really a horrifying experience for me and others who lost families and friends. Therefore, I can understand the entire trauma over there in Venezuela. If I can help in any way, do not hesitate to let me know please.
Jose Poleon-Henry, Jamaica

Having lived and worked in Caracas I would like to share some of the grief of the Venezuelan people in the wake of this most horrific tragedy. My friend Marisela Myra Martinez lives in La Guaira. Mari I hope you are safe and well.
Tom Christie, Scotland

Here in Dallas we are collecting diapers, powdered milk and canned goods to give to the Colombian Dallas Club for shipment out of Houston. Hopefully all people will do the same. God bless Venezuela.
Jeannie Rodriguez, USA.

I just want to say thank you to all the people who has written to this site, I live in Falcon state, although my state was declared in emergency by the floods too it was not so serious like the disaster in Vargas now I know that Venezuela is not alone in this moment of tragedy, I thank all the people who had write from USA, UK, India, Canada, Trinidad, Turkey, really thank you all, my country is a brave country and with the help of all we are going to succeed this tragedy. Merry Christmas and God bless you.
José Gregorio Naranjo, Venezuela

I spent over a month living in Macuto village in a place by the beach several years ago. The people I met there were extremely kind and hospitable. I am also dismayed at the lack of coverage of the disaster in this country and am wondering why there has been no publicity for ways to donate towards the relief effort.
Roger Davison, UK

Sadly as days passes, the amount of dead people increases, now some figures are estimating a death toll of up to 50,000. But probably we will never know, because thousands are probably still buried in 10 feet of mud or even more. Also estimates of damage goes up to $20,000 million, even though the lives lost here can never been "repaid" or replaced. For any country whether "Rich" or "Poor" is a hard blown. Imagine in a country were 80% of the population lives in poverty, where around 60% earn minimum wage, (around 200 USD.), with unemployment as high as 17%-18%, inflation 25%, where 45% of the working force has no social security benefits. Where Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has decreased in this last year almost 8%, this maybe will help to get the picture of the enormous size of this tragedy. Venezuelan people has reacted rapidly and generously to the tragedy and grief of their fellow citizens, making donations of foods, medical supplies, volunteer work, etc, and money. You see a lot of contributions of $10, $20, $50 $100, which may not seem a lot in other countries, but truly means a lot for a person earning $200 a month or less.
Andres Hands, Venezuela

I will like to thank everybody for your prayers, God bless you all.... I am Venezuelan, since 15 years ago I have been living in USA. I do not have the words to thank everyone of you for your help. We have more than 10 family members that lost everything.... A great help will be giving to those children that lost their parents, and they are alone, some of them so little that they do not know their names. Thanks again for your help, and God bless you all...
Roxana Romero, Asheville, NC USA

I was a foreign exchange student in Maracay for 7 weeks this past summer. It changed my life. When I heard about the flooding, my first instinct was to call to make sure that everyone in my family and all of their friends were all still in good health. I couldn't get through via email or phone (the line was either busy or disconnected), and so I fretted for 2 days straight, wondering if everyone was indeed okay or not. As it happens, my family lives not only in Maracay, two and a half-hours south of Caracas, but at that, on a rather sizeable hill. They were okay, but my inability to get in touch with them sent me into a state of depression and worry. Currently, they are spending their Christmas time helping other families who lost homes and funds.
Adam, USA

My objective is to try and answer some of your questions, calm your fears or just correct some information. For starters, the city of Valencia (Carabobo State) was not affected by the flooding or the land slides, in fact it its being used to evacuate people from the airport in Maiquetia (Vargas State). This airport (the main international airport in the country) is currently closed to any and all commercial flights, it will probably remain so for at least a week, probably a lot longer, considering that most, if not all of the workers lived in the affected areas. So it is possible that some people might not get home in time for the holidays, but they will be able to leave and are in no danger. If you know anyone who was in Vargas State before the tragedy and fear for their safety, visit www.chevere.com and you will find links to various sites with lists of people who have been rescued. If they are not on the list (s), do not worry, as of yesterday 70.000 people had been rescued and no list can contain so many names. If the person or persons you know was any where else in Venezuela, don't worry, the chances that they are not OK are about those of being hit by lightning. If you want to know anything else, feel free to e-mail me at juanisosa@hotmail.com
Juan Sosa, Venezuela

This is some information I have gathered for Elizabeth Azocar concerning her relatives: A Jorge Luis Azocar (30 years old) is listed as missing in one of Venevision.com list. The other that you mentioned in your mail are not even listed as missing so you may want to do that ASAP. I have compiled all the list posted in the net by EUD.COM, Venevision.com and other sources and can perform some very fast search myself regardless of the mess of the lists (usually listed by names rather than surnames or family names). I have come up with some information that might be of interest to you; for instance there are three or four AZOCAR kids reported at the Parque Naciones Unidas: Guillermo (7) Claribel (4) and Cristian (1). Also there is a Belkis AZOCAR reported at the navy base in Pto Cabello (0 year old). There are some adults (5 or 6) with similar surnames but they do not correspond to the ones you are looking for (sorry). You may want to try yourself the EUD.com site offers a very comprehensive list of other sites that list missing and found or rescued people. I'll be glad to help anyone interested in searching these messy lists in my spare time. Just mail me at yofrec@bcm.tmc.edu with the name of the person, age, and residency before this horrible tragedy occurred.
Yofre, USA.

Please help us inform people about the Venezuela Flood Message Board. This is a service that allows people to stay in contact with family and friends. http://www.viexpo.com/dmstest/flood.html Venezuela Flood Message Board Disaster Message Service Viexpo@viexpo.com www.viexpo.com
AnsenSligar, USVI

I am from Orissa, India. We are recovering from the worst cyclone disaster of the century, which hit the coast on Oct 29th 1999. With official death toll more than 10,000 (we know it is much higher than that) and relief operations not adequate for this poor state of Orissa, I can imagine the plight of the people of Venezuela now in such a horrific disaster. Because, I know what the cyclone survivors in Orissa is going through now. The Government is doing hardly anything. My heart goes out to the people of Venezuela. I appeal to all to generously contribute to support the affected people in Venezuela.
Das, India

I am a student and I have been volunteering at the worst hit areas of this disaster. My impression is that we have a lot of clothes and not enough medicine, therefore, medical supplies would be greatly appreciated here, thank you
Nesan Venezuela

I would just like to say that I am disgusted by the lack of concern UK newspapers have displayed on the terrible events in Venezuela. Today (21/12/99), the news was on page 2 of The Guardian. Sara Cox's new appointment to Radio 1 seems to be far more important. Maybe delivering such bad news so close to Christmas is just not done. Where was the hotline number for people who want to donate? If The Guardian doesn't display a bit of humanity, who will?
Muriel Boselli, UK

My heart and my prayers go out to the people of Venezuela. I was in that area for several weeks filming, Southern Ride (see www.jonsaltzman.com). The mountain range in this area is among the highest in the world in such close proximity to the sea so it is understandable of the immense downward pressure of the landslides to the seaside villages and towns. As I rode throughout the area, I could see potential for this type of disaster but never of this magnitude. I am full of sadness and concern for the immense burden now placed on the people of Venezuela. Hopefully more nations of the world will unite during this Holiday Season to help the victims of this horrifying and sobering natural disaster!
Jon Saltzman, USA

I was visiting Caracas many years ago with a wonderful family and I wonder whether they are ok. The family is The Kalek family, Riman Halib Kalek?
Cheryl Kurzawa Krejci, Ohio, USA

I am French and I have Venezuelan friends in Caracas; I had the intention to go there for Christmas but now I can't because of the disaster. I have some news of my friends there, but I am worried for them and would like to help them. That's why I am trying to go there with "la cruz roja" or "doctors of the world", if you can help me to do that please write me or just write to boost my morale!
Depaigne Sophie, France

I've not long returned from Caracas after a week-long study visit with 60 youth and community development workers from all over the world. We saw the tremendous work of people in the barrios to build their communities. We also saw the precarious nature of the homes on both sides of the Avila mountain and wondered how secure they would be in heavy rains. I am incredibly saddened to find out the truth so soon. If anyone has information on the community of La Vega in Caracas I would be most grateful to know. The Venezuelan people showed us great kindness - I hope we can do something for them in return. I send my very best wishes to Vicky Bigio, Jose Javier Sala, Glenda Lopes and every one of my new friends in Venezuela. timb@nya.org.uk
Tim Burke, England

I have to say I am extremely shocked for what happened to Venezuela, but more than that I am deeply touched by all the volunteering work and support we have got from everyone, even from all who our President continuously insulted before the 15th. elections. I was volunteering yesterday with more than 100 people packing food to be transported to Miranda and suddenly, one British citizen said that Chavez is doing what he knows best: Being a soldier. Then, after all kind of terrible stories related to the lack of strategy from the government and main forces who are trying to help, I am sure, my country would appreciate all kind of people with the level of experience as to bring some organisation and strategic thinking to the chaos we are experiencing. Up to know, the Cruz Roja is one of the few entities that have organised itself in a efficient way. We have plenty of soldiers like Chavez in this Country but we need more strategy and I am so afraid that if we keep wasting time and resources in this mess more lives will be lost and abuses may be generated. However, at this time, we have all forgotten the absurdity of the YES and NO sides that Chavez created , and the nature has taught us the hardest lesson which means the union of all to step out of this crisis and build a common future.
Mariela, Venezuela

I would like to offer my condolences to those who have lost family or friends to this tragedy. We must do all we can to help in this time of need because it could be our families, our friends and our homes next time. I live in Jamaica and would like to volunteer my time to helping practically.
A. Lee, Jamaica

Does anyone have any news about conditions in Valencia (Carabobo State???), rross@dsmail.state.gov
Russell R. Ross, USA

As far as I am aware the US government has pledged $3M in aid and the British government £0.5M. Frankly, these sums are an insult when one considers the amounts up for grabs weekly in our National lottery. As much as I welcome the desision by the UK government's to wipe clean the third world debt it cannot stop there. We in the 'developed' world have a duty in times of crisis and stability to support the poorer nations.
Martin Ward, England

Fortunately I did no suffer in any way from this awful tragedy. I´ve lived all my life in Caracas, and I´ve never seen the intensity of the harsh punishment of nature. Thousands have been left homeless, thousands are missing and thousands are dead. I´ve been working during the weekend non-stop at the Poliedro de Caracas helping out people who were directly affected by the floods. The stories they tell are heartbreaking, they arrived at this improvised shelter by the hundreds without shoes, bleeding, thirsty, sunburned, etc. As we (brigade of volunteers) prepared food we witnessed how fast food would disappear into the hungry mouths of these people.

What makes me sad is the fact that these people could have been evacuated before this catastrophe occurred. But the negligence of our new president proved to be fatal; instead of taking precaution, our president urged people to stay home for the elections that took place the 15th. of this current month. Two days before the election the ministry of environment already had issued warnings about a possible disaster. The president didn´t listen, and now he has to handle this, it´s too late. It´s just another proof of how incapable he is in managing a country.

I want to thank all the international aid that has been handed to us, as a Venezuelan I appreciate it. I will continue to work hard to give a helping hand, my spirit and my effort may not change the situation, but if everybody helps out, I´m sure we can solve these problems in the best possible way. I also want to thank England for their support and friendliness. It really means a lot.
Robert Forster, Venezuela

For all of those who want information about friends and relatives in Venezuela, there are many lists over the internet with the names of the victims and people who had been saved.
www.eud.com
www.unionradio.com.ve
www.televen.com
www.globovision.com
www.venevision.com
Also you can call 800-MALTIN. Thanks for all the help you can send us.
Yamilka Saume, Venezuela

We are an English family living in Bolivar state, south east Venezuela. If anybody reading this message knows of any British citizens who are stranded in the Caracas/La Guaira area and have access to a local telephone, please call us and we will relay any message to friends or relatives in the UK. Contact Guy and Irene Martin on 088 61862 (El Callao). We have just de-mobilised our company's equipment from the north of the country. Inevitably the situation is chaotic but the immense voluntary effort being made by ordinary Venezuelans is staggering. The people have shown that they have the will to help themselves, now they need practical help to cope with the aftermath of this disaster.
Guy Martin, Venezuela

Having spent a lot of time in Venezuela I am deeply saddened by this dreadful tragedy. Can anybody please tell me if Oxfam, Christian aid or the Red Cross have specific appeals yet?
Martin Ward, England

My heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible disaster. I cannot help but look for a reason for the huge amount of material that has come down with the water. Is this due to deforestation? We need to be able to rebuild the forests as well
Bruce Stafford, UK

We in Trinidad empathise with our Venezuelan neighbours as we too were subjected to the very same rain storms but suffered no casualties. Our prayers reach out to them in their hour of greatest need. God bless. John
John Lyder, Trinidad and Tobago

I could not get any news from my friend Erminia Favale who lives in Caracas. Please inform me about her. Turkish people is praying for all victims of disaster. Email: besim@turkiye.net
Besim Caliskan, Turkey

Alan Mulhern, Diamora Mulhern nee Freitas and 4 children were visiting Caracas. We have no contact details. If their names appear anywhere or if anyone knows them or there whereabouts please contact Gerald Mulhern on this e-mail address: gerald_mulhern@figroup.co.uk or call England +44 118 979 2624. Thank you.
Gerald Mulhern, England

Fortunately, I and my family are well. we live in Caracas, and a part of our city is destroyed. In La Guaira, near Caracas, the Vargas state, there's a disaster. the whole state has been destroyed. there are lots of bodies around the streets, and under the mud too. From 18/12, nothing had happened in our country till now. Please, help us in what you can do. We need in its majority, medicines in general for adults and kids, toys for kids, etc. Thanks for your attention.
Daniel Hernandez, Venezuela

Please say thank you to the USA army, for all the help they did with the helicopters, and Mexico with the disaster training group. God bless them and their families for ever. Than you and merry Christmas to your team news. My mother lost her apartment in Caraballeda, but we are really happy cause she is alive
Lili Cortizo, Venezuela

Once again another great catastrophe has hit an impoverished Latin American nation. In this case it is the nation of Simon Bolivar, and the timing is right before Christmas and the turning of millennium. Please do not under report this great calamity, since it on the scale as the terrible earthquake that hit Turkey this summer. As Americans were generous to send aid to Turkey and Kosovo, I hope that they will not forget their poor brethren to their south, especially as the birth of Christ is upon us.
Paul Dinsky, USA

Collaboration needed for Venezuelan flood victims:
* milk formulas for infants *long-life milk and food * can food * drinking water * clothes (no unusable items please)* antibiotics (Amoxicillin and Penicillin, all forms) * antipyretics (Paracetamol) * Multivitamins * Medicines to treat Asthma, Allergies, Nausea, Diarrhoea * first aid medicine kits * disposable diapers * blankets * mattresses * sheets * towels * candles * lanterns * toilet paper * sanitary towels * soap bars NOTE: It is necessary that all the collaborations be classified. Please do not mix medicines with clothes and food.(translated from an e-mail message), please check with Red Cross
Ivan Saavedra, Venezuela (currently uk)

I arrived in September after living in Venezuela for one year. It is awful that a country as beautiful as this with some of the nicest people in the world has to suffer such a tradgedy instead of celebrating X-mas and the new millenium.
Michael West, England

My name is Madeline. I am 23 years old, Canadian, currently living in Calgary, AB. I have heard all about the current disaster in Caracas. I traveled in South America for 6 months of this year, living mainly in Venezuela. I have many good friends there now, some living in Caracas, most on Isla de Margarita. I have a flight for Jan. 15th, 2000 to go and visit my friends. I fly in to Caracas. I am planning on 2 weeks but may stay much longer. I want to help with the problem in Caracas. I love working with children and have extensive experience working with children. I also speak Spanish. I am thinking that since I already have a ticket down there, and a place to stay in Caracas, maybe I can stay and be of some help volunteering with all the homeless people effected by the terrible disaster. Please respond if you know anything I can do.
Madeline Rasmussen, Canada

Negligence in Venezuela?.- There´s a serious need to start an investigation regarding possible government negligence in relation to this undescribable desastre. As you know, the government was conducting a national poll for a new constitution that took place on the 15th. The fatal flood took place on the 16th and I believe this situation could be predicted and prevented days before (it was raining on an unusual manner for two weeks before the elections). Is this a huge crime?. Could you please find out?. I´m not sure I can make public this concepts today in Venezuela, I´m not sure there is a truly reliable democracy at this time, just because the government won the plebiscit and now they have too much power. Please help us find the truth. Please tell the world about it. This negligence, if it exists, shouldn´t be granted.
Ricardo Fernández, Venezuela

My son's father, Steve Szwec, was caught in the mudslides in Venezuela. So far as I know, he is alright. If anyone knows him please get back in touch with me.
Cynthia Gresham, USA

I am saddened by this whole episode, and I am daily concerned for those who have been affected. I pray for them in this their hour of need, that God will be a tower of strength to them and to Venezuela as a whole.
Anthony Brumble, Trinidad and Tobago

My wife's uncle lost everything's in the flood. He told us that he saw the neighbours asking for help and nobody was able to help them and the flood took them away. They have been crying since.
Edmundo Cuellar, Canada, Montreal

I have not been directly affected however my best friend's husband is currently working out there just outside a place called Barcelona and obviously with Caracas being so badly affected we're not sure if he is going to be able to make it home for Christmas. He should get a postal plane into Caracas and then fly to Heathrow via Amsterdam but we don't know what will happen now and information is really hard to come by. Any news would be greatly appreciated.
Amanda Bostock, England

We should not be astounded that this terrible disaster may be a result of changing weather patterns due environmental pollution.
Stephan Quednau, Canada

I saw a photograph of a little girl being held in the arms of a paratrooper if anyone can give me any information on this particular child I would love to help her in any way possible the reporter that took the photo was Emillio Guzman Please reply ASAP
Yvonne, United States

My parents use to lived in Carmen de Uria (Vargas) and I know they are alive but still waiting for the rescue. Two brothers are missing and one of them with wife and child (5 years old) I will like to have any information about survivors and victims (list). Laura Rauceo de Azocar Domingo Azocar (mother and father alive) Goerge, Jaqueline, Jorge Luis and Lenin AZOCAR (missing). All of them have lost their homes. I`ll be very grateful for any answer. Bad or good news.
Elizabeth Azócar, Germany

This is a total mayor disaster. Entire slum neighbourhoods have been wipe out. I believe there are more than 500.000 homeless, and about 30.000 death or missing. Two buildings from my own there are seven people dead. Those bodies haven't been recovered yet, and are still entrapped in the mud

This situation is similar in up to 9 Venezuelan coastal states, entire roads and towns are flooding. In Vargas state (La Guaira), nearby Caracas (45 minutes drive), which has about 1million population, and where are located Venezuela's main maritime port and airport; there has been raining non stop for 12 days the equivalent of a full year rain level. This caused that part of the mountain to collapse and mudslides wiped out everything, from entire slum neighbourhoods, covering houses up to the roof, covering buildings with mud in some areas up to the 4th floor, and covering lighting posts.

There's an urgent need for drinking water, food, baby food, medical supplies, that can be sent throughout Red Cross and other international disaster relief agencies, also medical personal and rescue teams because there are still people trapped of the roof of buildings and basements waiting to be rescue. There are a lot of children homeless and orphans. Thanks for all the help you can send us. And may God bless you all, and all your kindness this Christmas.
Andres Hands, Venezuela

I was not directly affected by the tragedy, nonetheless I have been working aiding some of the patients that have been rescued from the disaster areas. The magnitude of the event is unthinkable and the stories of the affected are devastating. I have been informed that the Venezuelan UK embassy is receiving monetary support through a bank account , if this is true it will be important that the Venezuelan community that is in the UK at the moment know that they can help, not only with monetary support, but donating medicines and other supplies that are needed. I also have information on web sites where the names of rescued people are being published, just in case there are individuals abroad looking for any family members that might be involve in the tragedy. If you provide me with an e-mail address I could send you the information. I hope you are able to diffuse this information through your prestigious network.
Dr.Carmen C. Garcia, Venezuela

I returned from Cartagena in Columbia on Tuesday 14th december. The reporting of the tragedy understates the true magnitude. With my family we are living as expatriates in Caracas, working for TotalFina. The city of Caracas has the air of a City which is running normally. Only the additional and incessant light aircraft and helicopters arriving at La Carlotta military airbase in the centre of the City gives the clue that somewhere something is happening. Over the other side of the Avila mountain, which forms the Northern boundary of the City, there are tens of thousands of damnificados (refugees). The Mayor of the coastal town next to the International airport of Maiquetia, has been talking about 25,000 dead. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Going west and east of Maiquetia for 50 miles and the same devastation is evident. The mountain slid towards the Caribbean Sea, wiping out towns, villages and Barrios. Unofficial figures for the coastal death toll run as high as 50,000. The Vargas State has all but been erased from the map. Other areas such as Miranda state to the West experienced similar devastation, the images are heart rending. The poorest have been punished still more, all their possessions taken in one night.

The hopes of the damnificados are invested in Hugo Chavez, the charismatic but inexperienced President of the Bolivarian republic of Venezuela. His Government is full of equally inexperienced but well intentioned ministers. The fear is that the scale of the disaster is way beyond their ability to cope. It needs an experience of crisis management that they do not have. The Government is making statements that 'we shall show the World how to manage a disaster'. Very few governments would be able to cope. This ideological group, aligned with Fidal Castro, is simply incapable of managing the situation. They have the will but are sadly lacking in the practical skills.

The Venezuelan people are demonstrating their horror by manning reception centres, packaging supplies and collecting drugs and clothing. The Venezuelan people have been dealt a horrific blow, the Country will take many years to recover. With all our Sympathy.
Nick Baker, venezuela

This part of Columbia is next to Venezuela and as I left my friends that day there were horrendous storms and in Cartagena the streets started flooding. I was staying with a Colombian family and their entire back yard was flooded the day I left. In the neighbourhood that I was in there is no proper drainage system and the whole place just floods. I nearly thought I would be stuck out there if the airport was closed. Luckily the Monday afternoon the storms abated permitting me to return home. I would like to Know if the Carribean coast of Columbia was as badly affected as Venezuela. Also my best friend remained out there after I left to go travelling around Venezuela with his girlfriend and I am worried for the both of them. Please pray for the people of those countries and for the safe return of fellow travellers in these parts.
Kirstin Innes, England

I send my most and sincere sympathy to all those who has lost everything and I am glad and relief to see many countries joining together to send help before it's too late. So sad and devastated that so may lives lost within a short time. I wish to all those people courage and faith in god.
Margaret-Joan Cafane, France

My town in eastern North Crolina was hit by devastating floods after Hurricane Floyd. My grandmother lost her house, along with everyone in her neighborhood. I will be praying for those in Venezuela. I now sympathize with the survivors who lost everything and must now rebuild their lives. Nature is an awesome force.
Justin Bridwell, Rocky Mount, NC, USA

I am a Venezuelan Student in Holland, and was shocked to receive this news, being so far away from home. Along with other Venezuelans living in Holland, throughout our embassy in The Hague, We are organizing relief efforts, such as sending money, clothes, blankets, medicines, etc. If people wish to show solidarity and support with Venezuela now, which is badly needed, I would suggest that they contact the Venezuelan embassies in their countries. Solidarity from many countries and people from around the world, has been greatly appreciated in Venezuela, during what is probably the greatest disaster of the century, for this nation. The bright side of crisis, is that they help to unite people.
Ilan Adler, Holland - Venezuela