Following a thorough assessment of the disaster zones in Venezuela and in continuous coordination with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Hellenic Red Cross (HRC) is deploying two specialized teams of Volunteer Samaritans and Rescuers. The units are being sent to assist in critical urban search and rescue operations and to address the urgent healthcare and medical needs of the surviving population.
As Greece’s leading humanitarian and volunteer organization, the Hellenic Red Cross has fast-tracked the deployment of two seven-member tactical teams. Equipped with advanced rescue gear, including cutting machinery, specialized rigging ropes, and reconnaissance drones, the units also feature certified K9 search and rescue dogs. Operating alongside the Venezuelan Red Cross, the Greek teams will focus on extracting survivors from collapsed structures, administering first aid, and distributing immediate humanitarian relief.
Death toll in Venezuela surpasses 1,700
The Greek deployment comes at a critical juncture, five days after a catastrophic double earthquake struck Venezuela. According to the latest official provisional figures, the disaster has claimed at least 1,719 lives, and the humanitarian crisis on the ground remains severe:
- Mass casualties: Hundreds of bodies are currently being held in makeshift morgues and warehouses in the northern port city of La Guaira (located 25 miles from Caracas), which bore the brunt of the seismic impact.
- Widespread destruction: Aerial drone footage reveals entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble with virtually no buildings left unscathed. Homes collapsed “like houses of cards,” leaving frantic families waiting by the ruins in hopes that rescue teams will pull their missing loved ones out alive.
International relief mobilization
An international aid corridor is beginning to open up as global logistical efforts intensify:
- Port infrastructure restored: The US military deployed 130 marines to spearhead the rehabilitation of La Guaira’s port. Officials confirmed on Monday that the port is once again operational, clearing a vital maritime pathway for heavy humanitarian aid to enter the country.
- Maritime support: The USS Lauderdale, an amphibious transport dock ship, remains anchored off the coast of La Guaira to coordinate the delivery of vital troops, heavy machinery, and emergency supplies to support local and international rescue workers on the ground.
Related: Newborn and 11-Year-Old Miraculously Rescued Days After Venezuela Quake
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