US teams are in Venezuela to assist search and rescue efforts: State Dept Spox
Washington DC, June 27
US Department of State Spokesperson Tommy Piggott on Friday said that the US is on the ground in Venezuela to help with search and rescue efforts and to deliver humanitarian and medical supplies.
SOUTHCOM's Major General Kevin J Jarrard and Charge d'Affaires John M Barrett met with President Delcy Rodriguez and other senior leaders to coordinate relief efforts in Venezuela.
The US Embassy in Caracas announced, "The first air shipment of equipment has arrived to support the two specialized U.S. search and rescue teams, which are arriving in Venezuela to join ground operations as soon as possible. With nearly 80 experts per team--firefighters, doctors, structural engineers--12 canines trained for detection in rubble, these groups bring advanced capabilities to locate survivors and assist in complex emergencies. Their personnel and specialized equipment are being positioned to head to the hardest-hit areas and begin operations when conditions allow."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo held a telephonic conversation with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, and expressed condolences for the victims of the earthquakes.
In a post on X, she said, "Today I had a phone call with the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, to whom I expressed condolences for the victims of the earthquakes and reaffirmed our support for the Venezuelan people. Mexico is already deploying humanitarian aid in the affected areas; we are attentive to additional needs. In difficult times, our nation stands in solidarity with brother countries."
The UN said in a post on X, "An estimated 3.9 million children live in areas affected by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. UNICEF is on the ground, supporting national efforts to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and their families."
A new earthquake was detected off the northern coast of Venezuela, registering as magnitude 4.9 on the Richter scale on Friday, Al Jazeera reported.
The tremor comes days after a pair of powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday evening, killing at least 920 people and leaving parts of the capital of Caracas devastated.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking to see 920 people dead. Reminds me of the 2004 tsunami in India—international solidarity matters. Mexico and UNICEF stepping up gives hope. But US and Venezuela need to separate politics from humanity for once. 🙏
Good that Southcom is coordinating with President Rodriguez, but let's not pretend US-Venezuela relations are normal. Hope the 80 experts with dogs help save lives the way Nepali rescue teams did in 2015. Need real cooperation, not photo ops.
As an American, I hope this is genuine humanitarian aid. After years of sanctions, Venezuelans deserve relief without conditions. 3.9 million children affected is a staggering number—UNICEF's role is critical. 🙏
Interesting how Mexico's president called Delcy Rodriguez "Interim President"—that's a diplomatic move. India should learn from this soft power approach. Meanwhile, 4.9 aftershock means more fear for survivors. Hope rescue teams reach remote areas quickly. 🚨
Earthquakes don't care about politics. Glad global community is responding. Having 12 dogs trained for rubble search is impressive—we used similar methods in Nepal. But US should also lift some sanctions temporarily to allow medicine imports. Common sense, yaar!
D We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.