Vietnam delivers aid, steps up rescue efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela

The total volume of aid delivered reached 45.6 tonnes, including 35 tonnes of dry rations, 4 tonnes of medicines, 2 tonnes of canned meat, four generators, 500 tents, 10 large field tents and 50,000 rolls of medical bandages.

Earlier, a 124-member Vietnamese rescue delegation comprising officers and personnel from the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security arrived at Maiquetia International Airport in La Guaira state, Venezuela, at noon on June 29.

The delegation quickly moved to its base in La Guaira state, arranged accommodation, and transported equipment, essential supplies and medical materials in preparation for its mission.

Later the same day, team members conducted field assessments in La Guaira state, the area hardest hit by Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, to prepare for the deployment of personnel and equipment for search and rescue operations.

To date, Vietnam is among 30 countries that have deployed such teams to Venezuela to support rescue operations.

Meanwhile, on June 30 (local time), Vietnamese rescuers carried out search and rescue operations in La Guaira state, the area hardest hit by Venezuela’s twin earthquakes.

Units from the Vietnam People’s Army and the People’s Public Security force, together with specialized equipment, were deployed to different locations under a pre-arranged coordination plan with the Venezuelan side. Despite hot and humid conditions, the team also expanded search efforts to nearby locations after receiving specific requests for assistance from victims’ families.

Earlier the same day, Turkey’s rescue team informed the Venezuelan side that possible signs of life had been detected at one disaster site. Due to fuel shortages, the Turkish team requested the Venezuelan side to notify other international rescue teams for support. Upon receiving the information, the Vietnamese delegation immediately dispatched personnel and equipment led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Rescue and Salvage Department under the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and head of the delegation, to the scene, where they coordinated with Mexico’s rescue team to search for victims in heavy rain.

Meanwhile, officers and personnel from the Ministry of Public Security participating in the international rescue mission were also carrying out search and rescue operations at a nine-storey apartment building in La Guaira state that was almost completely destroyed in the twin earthquakes on June 24. Reports said 15 people remained trapped under the rubble.

During operations in Playa Grande in La Guaira state later the same day, the Vietnamese rescue team identified 11 locations where victims were believed to be trapped and launched search-and-rescue efforts.

After extensive efforts, the team recovered 11 bodies from the rubble and handed them over to Venezuelan authorities. The team also set up n additional emergency treatment station, providing medical care to 26 local residents in the area.

Vietnamese rescue team begin disaster response mission in Venezuela

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s rescue and relief team began their humanitarian mission in Venezuela on June 29 (local time), following their arrival to assist the South American country in responding to the devastating aftermath of recent twin earthquakes.