Portugal rescue team returns after Venezuela earthquake aid mission

A Portuguese joint operational force of 62 civil‑protection specialists (FOCON) landed at Beja’s Air Base on Friday after spending more than a week in the La Guaira region of Venezuela. The team, composed of members of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment, the National Emergency Medical Service and the National Republican Guard, worked with local authorities under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism following the June 24 earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that killed at least 3,899 people and injured 16,740.

During the deployment the Portuguese rescuers saved a 44‑year‑old man who had been trapped under debris for seven days and assisted in broader search‑and‑rescue operations. Portugal also sent a new humanitarian airlift to Caracas, delivering 12 tonnes of hygiene, shelter and sanitation kits, two fully equipped ambulances from the Portuguese Red Cross, and 1.5 tonnes of tools for debris removal. An additional €400,000 was earmarked for social‑assistance projects run by Caritas and Oikos.

Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities Emídio Sousa visited Venezuela from 8 to 11 July, meeting interim President Delcy Rodríguez, foreign‑affairs officials and members of the Portuguese community. Rodríguez thanked Portugal for its solidarity. The return ceremony was attended by President António José Seguro, Interior Minister Luís Neves and Venezuelan ambassador Mary Flores. The operation underscores the ongoing bilateral cooperation and Portugal’s commitment to the recovery effort after the disaster.