Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue Team Deploys to Venezuela After Deadly Earthquakes

A specialized team from Burnaby, Canada, has been deployed to Venezuela to aid in the search and rescue operations following devastating earthquakes. Seven members of the Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team are now on the ground, working to find survivors trapped in the rubble.

The earthquakes have had a catastrophic impact on Venezuela, with the death toll rapidly approaching 1,000 and over 3,000 individuals reported injured. The back-to-back seismic events struck the region on Wednesday, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

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It’s a collaborative effort. You definitely can’t do it alone. So we’re very humbled to have great support with us when we deploy.

The Burnaby USAR team comprises a diverse group of professionals, including firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officials. Their deployment is further enhanced by the inclusion of two highly trained search dogs, crucial for locating individuals in collapsed structures. The team received the necessary green light from the Venezuelan government on Wednesday morning.

Accessing the affected areas has been challenging, as commercial airports have sustained damage. Fortunately, a private plane owner donated a flight, facilitating the team's journey and enabling easier access to the danger zone. The team anticipates spending five to seven days in Venezuela, focusing on providing essential aid and support in the critical hours following the disaster. Ryan Berry, president of Burnaby USAR, stated that upon arrival, they will assess the most pressing needs, often prioritizing basic necessities like food and water.

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Once we have our feet on the ground, usually what seems to be the biggest priority are the basic necessities of life, food and water, just providing any help we can.