Venezuela receives 3,000 international rescuers after double earthquake

An international contingent of over 3,000 rescuers has successfully saved 12 individuals trapped beneath rubble following powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team confirmed the successful rescues, underscoring the significant impact of the global response.

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the response international has been contingent

Sebastián Mocarquer, an UNDAC team member, praised the "contingent" international response following Venezuela's request for aid. A total of 53 specialized search and rescue teams from various countries are participating in the operation. UNDAC has implemented organizational and information management systems to efficiently coordinate the vast number of rescuers operating in the same disaster zones.

Mocarquer noted that survivor searches are typically most effective within the first five to 10 days post-disaster. However, he acknowledged that factors such as structural collapse types and weather conditions can influence survival chances. In La Guaira, the most affected area, temperatures nearing 34 degrees Celsius with 80% humidity present significant challenges for rescue teams.

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the main challenge has been to coordinate the work of thousands of rescuers in the same scenario

Despite the passing days, search operations persist. One major effort is underway in Catia La Mar, where approximately 100 rescuers are working to reach Hernán Gil, a security guard trapped in a booth with whom communication is still possible. Once the international rescue phase concludes, Venezuelan authorities will assume responsibility for victim recovery due to the legal and forensic procedures involved. Official figures report 6,461 people rescued, 2,295 fatalities, and 11,267 injured.

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the search operations for survivors are usually concentrated between the first five and 10 days after a disaster, a period considered critical to find people alive