U.S. search-and-rescue teams leave Venezuela as aid efforts continue
The American search-and-rescue teams that were deployed to Venezuela following the back-to-back earthquakes less than two weeks ago have “completed their mission” and have returned home, joining other rescue groups that also announced their departures this week.
“We are deeply grateful for their service. These highly skilled men and women helped save six lives and brought hope to countless families during Venezuela’s darkest hours. America’s commitment to Venezuela is clear,” said John Barrett, the U.S. chargé d’affaires for Venezuela, during a press conference Tuesday in Caracas.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes on June 24, according to community websites where people can report their missing loved ones. The official death toll was over 3,500 as of Monday, according to government officials, but that number is expected to continue rising. Last week, a United Nations official said humanitarian partners were in the process of procuring 10,000 body bags.
Families told the Miami Herald they have been searching through the rubble with their bare hands, waiting for rescue teams to arrive. Even as the international teams leave, volunteers and citizens continue to look themselves, hoping for a miracle or to at least recover their loved ones’ bodies.
The U.S. had sent urban search-and-rescue teams from Miami; Miami-Dade County; Fairfax, Virginia; and Los Angeles.
The Miami-area crews returned Sunday night. Other countries have also sent home their rescuers, including Mexico’s “Topos” (“Moles”).
“We understand that hope remains, but it is necessary to announce the demobilization of the Topos Tlaltelolco A.C. Rescue Brigade — acting as a light rescue team — from the disaster zone. This is not an abandonment, but a necessary transition toward a dignified recovery,” they wrote, in part, in an X post.
Barrett said aid to Venezuela would continue and that the Department of State’s Disaster Assistance Response Team, DART, “remained on the ground working alongside partners to deliver food, water, medical care, shelter, and other critical assistance to affected communities.”
Over a million pounds of relief supplies have already been delivered as shipments arrive every day, according to Barrett. The United Nations World Food Program has reached more than 18,000 people, he said.
“To date, total U.S. humanitarian assistance related to this response exceeds $310 million. But recovery is about more than emergency aid. As immediate needs are addressed, we are increasingly focused on helping communities rebuild — restoring critical infrastructure, supporting economic recovery, and ensuring Venezuelan families have the tools they need to recover and move forward. Recovery will take time, but the United States is committed to being a reliable partner throughout that process.”
Out of the Southern Command (Southcom) headquarters in Doral, a coordination cell with 12 partner nations was established to determine where there was the most need for aid and to deliver it directly, according to Gen. Francis Donovan, the commander of Southcom.
“I think that directly saved lives,” he said.
Miami Herald Staff Writer Claire Healy contributed to this report.
