Search and rescue operations are continuing in Venezuela after two consecutive earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck on June 24. The Venezuelan response unit previously outfitted by Turkey is working to reach survivors trapped under the rubble in La Guaira, the city hardest hit by the disaster.
The unit is conducting operations with trained dogs navigating the debris, using vehicles that read 'From the heart of the Turkish people' and wearing uniforms featuring the TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) logo.
Unit coordinator Marcos Sequeira said in a statement on Thursday that their primary mission is to find survivors after disasters. Sequeira noted that the team also participated in search and rescue efforts following the earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Sequeira said, 'Thanks to what we did in Turkey in 2023 and the relations between Venezuela and Turkey, TİKA provided us with equipment to enhance our disaster response capacity.' He emphasized that this support has enabled all personnel and dogs to participate in missions across the country.
Sequeira added that team members are also learning Turkish through cooperation with the Yunus Emre Institute and the Turkish Maarif Foundation.
Unit member Marielfis Sánchez explained that they train dogs and personnel to search for survivors. Sánchez said, 'Frankly, since we went to Turkey and started working there, we have received tremendous support from the Turkish embassy in Caracas. We are also grateful to TİKA.'
The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, felt in many areas including the capital Caracas, had claimed 2,295 lives as of Tuesday, officials said. Authorities reported that search and rescue efforts are continuing in the damaged areas.
