Vietnam Sends Rescue Teams and Supplies to Earthquake‑Stricken Venezuela

A series of 7.2‑ and 7.5‑magnitude earthquakes hit Venezuela on 24 June, killing about 1 450 people, injuring thousands and leaving tens of thousands missing. Vietnam responded with a large humanitarian‑relief operation. An Airbus A350 (flight VN66) operated by Vietnam Airlines took off from Noi Bai Airport on 28 June with 124 military and police personnel, eight search‑and‑rescue dogs and roughly 40‑50 tonnes of specialized equipment, medical supplies and food. After a technical stop in Paris, the aircraft landed at Arturo Michelena International Airport in Caracas on 29 June. The deployment includes 82 soldiers from the People’s Army, 41 police officers, and border‑guard rescue teams, all equipped with engineering, medical, canine and radar units. A second flight is planned to bring additional staff and aid. The United States also sent about 100 Air Force personnel and 130 Navy sailors to assist with airport and port recovery. Vietnamese forces will use dogs, wall‑penetrating radar, detection devices and field hospitals to locate and treat survivors. The mission demonstrates Vietnam’s international solidarity and humanitarian commitment while supporting the multinational effort to rescue victims and rebuild after the disaster.