Washington DC, June 27: The United States has deployed search and rescue teams to Venezuela to assist relief operations following the recent earthquakes that struck the country, the US Department of State said on Friday (local time).
US Department of State spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated that American personnel are on the ground in Venezuela to support search and rescue efforts and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance.
According to the US Embassy in Caracas, the first shipment of equipment has arrived to support two specialized US search and rescue teams that are expected to join operations in the affected areas. Each team consists of nearly 80 personnel, including firefighters, doctors, structural engineers, and 12 search dogs trained to detect survivors trapped under rubble.
The embassy said the teams and their specialized equipment are being positioned to reach the worst-affected areas and begin operations as conditions permit.
Meanwhile, US Southern Command’s Major General Kevin J. Jarrard and Charge d’Affaires John M. Barrett met with interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez and other senior officials to coordinate relief efforts.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo also held a telephone conversation with interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez and conveyed condolences to the victims of the earthquakes. She stated that Mexico has begun delivering humanitarian assistance to the affected areas and remains prepared to provide additional support if required.
The United Nations said that an estimated 3.9 million children live in areas affected by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated that it is supporting national authorities in addressing the needs of affected children and their families.
Meanwhile, a fresh earthquake measuring 4.9 magnitude was recorded off Venezuela’s northern coast on Friday, according to media reports. The tremor occurred days after two major earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least 920 deaths and causing extensive damage in parts of Caracas.