Lithuanian President thanks rescuers and medics for Venezuela earthquake aid mission

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda expressed gratitude to the nation's rescuers and medics for their crucial role in a recent aid mission following devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. During a meeting at the Presidential Palace, Nausėda highlighted the dual impact of the mission: providing essential assistance to the Venezuelan people and bolstering Lithuania's own preparedness for extreme situations.

"I am proud that Lithuania could contribute to international efforts in distant Venezuela," Nausėda stated. "Today you helped in Venezuela; tomorrow, such help may be needed in Lithuania ourselves. Such missions strengthen our own readiness and ability to respond to complex emergencies."

“

I am proud that Lithuania could contribute to international efforts in distant Venezuela. Today you helped in Venezuela; tomorrow, such help may be needed in Lithuania ourselves. Such missions strengthen our own readiness and ability to respond to complex emergencies.

The contingent comprised 40 civil protection, medical, and rescue specialists from Lithuania's State Fire and Rescue Department, Emergency Medical Service, and State Border Guard Service. They were equipped with specialized gear, including acoustic and seismic detectors, thermal imagers, georadars, search cameras, and hydraulic and pneumatic rescue equipment, designed for challenging conditions. Two Belgian Shepherd dogs, trained for search and rescue operations, also participated.

Lithuania dispatched the teams in late June after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela, followed by over a thousand aftershocks. The disaster caused widespread destruction, with more than 850 buildings damaged or destroyed, particularly in the coastal city of La Guaira.

“

You all – firefighters, medics, dog handlers, logistics specialists – deserve the greatest respect. Your rescue work, medical and humanitarian aid provided, and the mobile field hospital you set up are a prime example of human solidarity and compassion.