US teams arrive in Venezuela to aid earthquake search and rescue

The United States has sent specialized search and rescue teams to Venezuela to assist with relief efforts after devastating earthquakes. The teams, comprising nearly 80 experts each, including firefighters, doctors, and structural engineers, are equipped with 12 canines trained for rubble detection. Their advanced capabilities aim to locate survivors in the hardest-hit areas.

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The first air shipment of equipment has arrived to support the two specialized U.S. search and rescue teams, which are arriving in Venezuela to join ground operations as soon as possible.

U.S. SOUTHCOM's Major General Kevin J Jarrard and Charge d'Affaires John M Barrett met with Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez and other senior leaders to coordinate the relief operations. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas confirmed the arrival of the first air shipment of equipment, positioning personnel and specialized gear to begin operations as soon as conditions allow.

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Today I had a phone call with the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, to whom I expressed condolences for the victims of the earthquakes and reaffirmed our support for the Venezuelan people.

International solidarity has been expressed by other nations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo spoke with Rodriguez, offering condolences and reaffirming Mexico's support, including the deployment of humanitarian aid. The United Nations highlighted the impact on children, with an estimated 3.9 million living in affected areas, and UNICEF is on the ground providing support.

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Mexico is already deploying humanitarian aid in the affected areas; we are attentive to additional needs. In difficult times, our nation stands in solidarity with brother countries.

The disaster has claimed at least 920 lives, with parts of the capital, Caracas, left devastated. A magnitude 4.9 earthquake was also detected off the northern coast of Venezuela on Friday, adding to the ongoing crisis.

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An estimated 3.9 million children live in areas affected by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. UNICEF is on the ground, supporting national efforts to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and their families.