Rescue operations persist in Venezuela following two catastrophic earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week.
Back-to-back tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck on Wednesday, leaving widespread devastation, 920 confirmed dead, and 3,360 injured. Authorities report that 383 buildings, 13 hospitals, 25 shopping centres, and 1,002 additional structures sustained damage, while tens of thousands remain unaccounted for.
Emergency responders from around the globe have joined search efforts, with European Union teams deployed to the hardest-hit regions.
According to the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, over 520 rescuers from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Luxembourg have been mobilized.
Below is a summary of the international rescue contributions to date.
Spain
Spain has dispatched 59 military personnel from its Military Emergency Unit, two army engineers, and eight canine units. The contingent, drawn from the 2nd Emergency Intervention Battalion, employs specialized search dogs, cameras, and geophones. An additional 40 personnel and four dogs from Madrid’s Emergency and Rapid Response team have arrived and are en route to Caracas.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has deployed its Urban Search and Rescue team, comprising 64 specialists and eight search dogs, from Eindhoven Air Base.
Switzerland
Switzerland has contributed 80 specialists, eight search dogs, and 18 tonnes of equipment. The Swiss foreign ministry stated that upon arrival, teams will coordinate with local authorities to locate, clear debris, and rescue victims trapped under rubble.
Italy
Italy has mobilized its air force alongside personnel from the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Unit, the Ministry of Defence, the fire brigade, and the civil protection department. The Defence Ministry confirmed that an initial military aircraft carrying search-and-rescue teams landed in Venezuela on Saturday, with a second aircraft prepared to deliver additional specialists.
France
France has dispatched a detachment from the 4th and 7th Civil Security Training and Intervention Regiments, under the Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Crisis Management. The team includes rescue and rubble-clearance experts, medical personnel, and canine units.
United States
The U.S. Department of State reported that search-and-rescue teams from California and Virginia have been deployed, supported by military personnel and comprising doctors, engineers, firefighters, and search dogs. U.S. Southern Command has also committed transport aircraft, Chinook helicopters, and the USS Billings to assist operations in Caracas. President Donald Trump stated earlier this week on Truth Social that the United States stands “ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela.