Panamanian rescuer recalls Venezuela earthquake mission

A team of 65 Panamanian rescuers deployed to La Guaira, Venezuela, to aid in search and rescue efforts after earthquakes struck the region on June 24. A month after the tragedy, TVN Noticias spoke with firefighter Kevin Requena, a member of the Chiriquí Fire Department and the Joint Task Force, who served as a canine guide.

Requena explained that the Panamanian team worked in coordination with Venezuela's National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc). Rescuers were assigned to search and rescue, medical attention, and logistics.

During operations amidst the debris, the teams searched for survivors. They also faced the difficult task of recovering the bodies of three family members. Requena highlighted the Panamanian contingent's efforts during this humanitarian mission, applying their skills to assist communities affected by the tremors.

According to the latest figures from Venezuelan authorities, the twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, resulted in 5,546 deaths and 16,740 injuries.

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It was a devastated ground zero.