Vietnam Deploys Military Rescue Team and Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

Vietnam has dispatched an 82-member military rescue team to Venezuela to support search-and-rescue operations and humanitarian relief following the country’s devastating twin earthquakes, marking one of Vietnam’s latest international disaster response missions.

The deployment comes after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Vietnamese authorities say the mission reflects the country’s commitment to international humanitarian cooperation and disaster relief.

The rescue contingent, organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, includes personnel from multiple military units. Among them is a specialized Border Guard search-and-rescue team comprising 10 highly trained officers and professional soldiers, accompanied by eight search dogs capable of locating survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

According to Major General Nguyen Duc Manh, Deputy Commander of Vietnam’s Border Guard Command, the selected personnel were chosen based on their professional expertise, physical fitness, and previous experience in domestic and international rescue operations.

Before departure, military leaders instructed the team to comply fully with Vietnamese foreign policy, respect the laws and regulations of Venezuela, and maintain the professionalism and discipline expected of the Vietnam People’s Army throughout the mission.

In addition to rescue personnel, Vietnam is sending a substantial humanitarian aid package to support communities affected by the disaster.

The General Department of Logistics and Technical Services confirmed that 65 tonnes of emergency supplies were prepared and transported to Noi Bai International Airport on June 28. The shipment includes food, drinking water, medicine, and essential relief equipment.

Among the supplies are 50 tonnes of military emergency rations, three tonnes of canned meat, and 3,000 liters of clean water. Vietnamese logistics units worked around the clock to prepare the cargo before its departure.

Vietnam has increasingly participated in international humanitarian and disaster response missions in recent years as part of its broader efforts to contribute to global emergency relief while strengthening defense cooperation and diplomatic relations with partner countries.

Officials said the mission also underscores the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Venezuela, while demonstrating Vietnam’s growing capabilities in international search-and-rescue operations.

As rescue efforts continue in Venezuela, Vietnamese personnel are expected to assist local authorities in locating survivors, supporting relief operations, and helping affected communities recover from one of the country’s most destructive natural disasters in recent years.