Vietnamese Rescue Teams Conclude Venezuela Mission, Return Home

A 124-member joint military and police rescue team from Vietnam has concluded its nearly two-week earthquake relief mission in Venezuela and departed from La Guaira on July 9 (local time) for their return journey home. On the afternoon of July 9 (local time), the Vietnamese delegation presented the Venezuelan side with medical equipment, medicines, food, tents, and a donation of $15,000 USD, aiming to assist residents in overcoming the aftermath of the natural disaster. Daniel Gasparri, a representative from Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude, noting that Vietnam, despite being halfway across the world, quickly dispatched forces and aid during a difficult period. He stated that this assistance arrived at the "right time and has practical significance for the Government and people of Venezuela." For nearly two weeks, the Vietnamese team primarily operated in Playa Grande, La Guaira state, one of the areas most severely affected by the earthquake, where many multi-story buildings built on slopes had collapsed. The rescue forces searched for and recovered dozens of bodies from the rubble, while also identifying and handing over numerous locations suspected of having victims for the Venezuelan side to continue rescue operations. The medical team also provided free examinations and medication; team members assisted residents in moving their belongings and distributed gifts to affected families. The contributions of the delegation were recognized by the Venezuelan government with the "Hero of Venezuela" medal, first class, awarded to the collective, second class, to all 124 members, and the "Merit of Service" medal for the search dog unit. Previously, interim President Delcy Rodríguez had assessed that the presence of the Vietnamese delegation, along with other international rescue teams, brought hope and helped people feel less alone amidst their losses. Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue and Salvage under the General Staff, and head of the Vietnamese Army delegation, described Venezuela as one of the most challenging rescue sites he has ever participated in. The hot weather and the prolonged burial of bodies made the air at the collapsed structures particularly difficult to breathe. At times, team members had to wear triple masks and apply menthol oil, but could only work continuously for about 10-15 minutes before rotating out. According to Major General Ty, under harsh conditions, the most crucial aspect is psychological preparation, treating the search for victims as if searching for one's own relatives to maintain the perseverance to complete the mission. Local Venezuelan officials bid farewell to the Vietnamese delegation at the airport. Photo: Provided by the Army. Colonel Pham Hung Duong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department, stated that the delegation benefited from experience accumulated through previous international missions. The close coordination between the army and police, along with support from the Venezuelan side, facilitated the efficient implementation of the mission. This marks the third time Vietnam has dispatched forces and equipment abroad for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions, following operations in Turkey in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025. Many sappers, border guards, and search dogs who participated in the previous two missions were also part of this deployment. The Vietnamese delegation is expected to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport on the night of July 10 or early morning of July 11. Son Ha