On the morning of 11/7, at the commendation ceremony for the Vietnamese Army and Public Security delegation returning from Venezuela, the Prime Minister lauded the resilience and courage of the officers and soldiers. They worked under extremely harsh conditions, racing against time to locate victims.

The Prime Minister stated that Vietnam, having experienced war and natural disasters, understands the importance of sharing in times of difficulty. With new capabilities and an enhanced international standing, Vietnam is actively and responsibly contributing to resolving global challenges.

Following the double earthquake that caused severe damage in Venezuela, the government promptly dispatched a delegation comprising 124 Army and Public Security officers and soldiers, along with 10 K9 dogs and modern equipment, to assist the friendly nation in disaster recovery.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, at the commendation ceremony for the Vietnamese Army and Public Security delegation assisting Venezuela. Photo: Giang Huy

According to the Prime Minister, the rescue forces deployed quickly to dangerous areas, overcoming many obstacles to find victims. Their efforts were recognized by the Venezuelan government and its people.

He noted that the Acting President of Venezuela personally visited the delegation's camp to thank the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, bestowing several high honors. General Secretary and President To Lam received the Hero of Venezuela Order, while members of the delegation were awarded the Hero of Venezuela Medal.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, the Prime Minister commended the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam Airlines, and other relevant agencies for their coordinated efforts in organizing, deploying, and ensuring the success of the search and rescue and humanitarian aid operations in Venezuela.

Emphasizing Vietnam's entry into a new development phase with greater international responsibility, the Prime Minister urged ministries and agencies to elevate their understanding of international search and rescue and humanitarian aid. He considers this a crucial component of national capacity in responding to non-traditional security challenges.

He called for the development of international search and rescue forces to be elite, professional, and mobile, capable of rapid deployment. Additionally, he advocated for prioritizing investment in equipment, technology, and logistics to ensure the best possible safety, health, and psychological well-being for personnel on duty.

The Prime Minister stated that a nation's strength is measured not only by its economic scale, defense capabilities, or technological advancement, but also by its ability to share responsibility with the international community.

Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department (General Staff). Photo: Giang Huy

Reporting at the ceremony, Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department (General Staff) and head of the delegation, explained that during their nearly two weeks in Venezuela, the team worked daily from 6h to 19h. Upon receiving information about signs of life on three occasions, the forces immediately launched overnight searches, determined to seize the last chance for victims.

Major General Pham Van Ty added that the areas assigned to the delegation were extremely hazardous, with many collapsed high-rise buildings and a latent risk of secondary collapses. At times, officers and soldiers had to descend dozens of meters into deep basements amidst the rubble to access the sites.

"If found, they must be brought out," was the delegation's consistent principle. "Each time a victim was found, witnessing their relatives break down in tears, we too could not hold back our emotions. This also represents the sentiment that the country and people of Vietnam extend to the people of Venezuela," he stated.

Drawing lessons from missions in Turkey and Myanmar, the delegation brought 10 K9 dogs and organized 6-8 search teams simultaneously in multiple areas. All vehicles and equipment were prepared early to enable immediate deployment upon receiving orders.

Colonel Pham Hung Duong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, Search, and Rescue Police Department. Photo: Giang Huy

Colonel Pham Hung Duong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, Search, and Rescue Police Department and head of the Ministry of Public Security's delegation, affirmed that the forces always prioritized safety. Even in highly unstable locations where some previous international rescue teams had withdrawn, Vietnamese forces were ready to approach and search for victims.

After nearly two weeks of duty, the delegation of 124 Army and Public Security officers and soldiers collaborated in searching for and handing over 57 victims' bodies to their families and local authorities. They also identified 46 victim locations for local forces to continue processing. The delegation delivered 5,6 tons of essential aid, provided 15.000 USD in support to residents, and conducted medical examinations and distributed medicine to over 132 people.

Son Ha - Giang Huy