Panama President Praises Rescue Teams in Venezuela, Sends Aid

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino conveyed the nation's pride to the Panamanian rescue teams deployed in earthquake-ravaged Venezuela. Speaking via video call, Mulino lauded the risky search and rescue operations undertaken by the 61-person team, which also includes four rescue dogs, and wished them success and a safe return.

"I am very proud of each and every one of you, as well as the immense majority of the Panamanian people who have contributed, each in their own way, to delivering these tons of cargo, supplies, and provisions of all kinds that are being gradually mobilized to the collection points in Venezuela," Mulino told the rescuers. He urged them to "take great care," emphasizing that "the homeland needs you back safe and sound, as do the rescue dogs."

The president's call took place as he inspected over 200 tons of humanitarian aid being prepared at the Regional Logistic Center for Humanitarian Assistance in Panama Pacific. This aid, donated by thousands of Panamanians and Venezuelans residing in Panama, is being processed by security forces and personnel from the Southern Command. Meanwhile, Panamanian rescuers are already working alongside international teams in La Guaira, one of the areas most devastated by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.