Vietnam rescue team arrives in Venezuela for earthquake response

The aircraft carrying the delegation landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía City after a flight of more than 22 hours.

The delegation was welcomed at the airport by Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil Pinto and Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My.

The 42-member team consists of firefighters and rescue police and is equipped with specialized vehicles, detection equipment, medical supplies, and logistical support.

Two magnitude-7.2 and magnitude-7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, causing devastating casualties and widespread property damage, with La Guaira being the hardest-hit state in the country.

According to Venezuela’s government, at least 1,750 people were killed in the quakes, which flattened or damaged more than 850 buildings, injuring thousands and leaving some 16,000 homeless, Reuters reported.

Following their arrival, the Vietnamese team was scheduled to travel about 40 km to the affected area before deploying personnel and equipment to begin search-and-rescue operations.

During its mission, the team will work with Venezuelan rescue authorities and international teams to search for missing people, provide medical assistance, support earthquake recovery efforts, and carry out other tasks requested by the Venezuelan government in line with the team’s expertise and capabilities.

“This is not only a rescue mission but also Vietnam’s expression of solidarity with the losses suffered by the Venezuelan people,” said Pham Hung Duong, head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security’s delegation.

Team member Do Quang Nam said the delegation had brought search-and-rescue equipment as well as food, essential supplies, and other necessities to support victims and affected communities.