Vietnamese rescuers worked 10 days straight in Venezuela's earthquake epicenter

For 10 days, nearly 124 Vietnamese rescue workers operated without rest in the earthquake's epicenter in Venezuela. They navigated aftershocks, severe weather, and collapsed buildings to search for survivors. Their efforts resulted in the rescue of 57 victims, leaving a lasting impact on the local people.

Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of Vietnam's Search and Rescue Department, stated that the mission was both an international obligation and a heartfelt command. He emphasized that the team's actions represented the genuine feelings of the Vietnamese people and nation towards Venezuela.

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The decision to go and help Venezuela respond to the recent earthquake was both an international duty and responsibility, and it was also a command from the heart, a sincere feeling from the country and people of Vietnam.

Upon arrival, the Vietnamese team immediately began their work, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people. The entire contingent, from commanders to soldiers, was divided into 6-8 teams that worked tirelessly at the disaster site, directly entering unstable rubble.

Ty noted that other international and local rescue teams highly praised Vietnam's professionalism, dedication, and bravery. He explained that achieving these results required the soldiers to overcome extreme physical and mental challenges. The long travel distance and an 11-hour time difference significantly disrupted their biological clocks. The harsh climate further complicated rescue operations, with intense heat causing the decomposition of bodies, necessitating the use of multiple masks to continue searching.

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Rescue teams from other countries and the host country highly praised Vietnam's performance for its professionalism, especially its sense of responsibility and courage. The team searched for victims here with dedication.

The most significant danger came from aftershocks in an area where multi-story buildings had collapsed. The risk of tons of concrete falling at any moment threatened the rescue workers. "But we overcame these issues with responsibility, bravery, and a disregard for sacrifice," Ty said. "The team members told each other, 'We work for your people, for our people, for our loved ones, so we are ready.'"

Initially, local Venezuelans were skeptical of the Vietnamese team's ability to operate in difficult conditions. However, the rescuers' dedication transformed this doubt into gratitude, with locals shedding tears of appreciation.

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But we overcame these issues with responsibility, bravery, and a disregard for sacrifice. The team members told each other, 'We work for your people, for our people, for our loved ones, so we are ready.'