Colombia sends elite rescue team to Venezuela after earthquakes

Colombia is dispatching a specialized search and rescue team to Venezuela to assist in the aftermath of recent earthquakes. The contingent of 63 rescuers, comprising elite members from fire departments, Civil Defense, the Red Cross, police, and the army, is equipped for urban search and rescue in collapsed structures.

Javier Pava, acting director of Colombia's National Unit for Risk Management, stated the team is trained to operate in collapsed buildings and will travel with dogs. Two military aircraft, a Hercules and a C-40, will transport the personnel and specialized equipment.

Meanwhile, the Colombian Consulate in Caracas has been temporarily closed due to structural damage caused by the tremors. Authorities are inspecting the building to assess its safety for reopening. The Vice Minister of Migratory, Consular, and International Protection Affairs, Paula Andrea Cerón, urged relatives of Colombians in Venezuela to use official channels for reporting missing persons or seeking assistance. These include a dedicated email, phone lines in Colombia, a toll-free number, and a WhatsApp number for the consulate. Preliminary reports indicate three Colombians may be missing, but an official count is pending.

Colombia estimates between 850,000 and 1.5 million Colombians reside in Venezuela, though only 239,652 are officially registered.