Vietnamese Rescue Team Completes Mission in Venezuela, Returns Home

A Vietnamese search and rescue team has successfully completed its nearly two-week mission in Venezuela, returning home on July 11. The 124-member contingent, comprising military and police personnel, was deployed to assist in the aftermath of a severe earthquake that struck the region.

During their deployment, the Vietnamese team focused on searching for victims in the heavily impacted Playa Grande area of La Guaira state. They managed to locate and recover 57 bodies from the earthquake debris, which were subsequently handed over to the local Venezuelan authorities. The Venezuelan National Civil Defense Directorate reported that the search efforts were officially halted on July 9, as the Venezuelan side also ceased its operations.

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I express my deep appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and discipline that the Vietnamese team has shown since arriving in Venezuela.

Beyond the recovery efforts, the Vietnamese đoàn (delegation) also engaged in humanitarian activities, including distributing gifts and providing free medical examinations to local residents. They also assisted people in moving their belongings.

Venezuelan officials lauded the Vietnamese team's commitment. Lieutenant Colonel Raul Serrano Chacon, Coordinator of the Vietnamese Rescue Team from the Presidential Guard Command, praised their "dedication, professionalism, and discipline." He noted that initial language barriers were overcome with the help of team members fluent in Spanish, facilitating smooth cooperation. Chacon highlighted the team's excellent adaptability to the hazardous environment, characterized by risks of collapsing structures, aftershocks, and difficult living conditions, commending their competence and close coordination.

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They are competent, professional, very dedicated, and coordinate closely with each other.