On the afternoon of 9/7 local time, the Vietnamese rescue team presented Venezuela with medical equipment, medicine, food, tents, and a 15,000 USD donation to help residents recover from the natural disaster.

Daniel Gasparri, a representative from Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude for Vietnam's swift deployment of forces and aid during a difficult period, despite being halfway around the world. He stated that this assistance arrived at the right time and "holds practical significance for the government and people of Venezuela."

For nearly two weeks, the Vietnamese delegation primarily operated in Playa Grande, La Guaira state, one of the areas most severely affected by the earthquake, where numerous high-rise buildings on slopes had collapsed.

The forces conducted searches, recovered dozens of bodies from the rubble, and identified and handed over several suspected victim locations for Venezuelan teams to continue rescue efforts. Military medical personnel also provided free examinations and medicine, while other members helped residents move their belongings and distributed gifts to affected families.

Vietnamese police and military forces conclude their mission in Venezuela, boarding a plane home. Photo: Provided by the Military

The Venezuelan government recognized the delegation's contributions with the "Hero of Venezuela" medal, first class for the collective team, second class for all 124 members, and the "Service Merit" order for the K9 unit.

Earlier, interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the presence of the Vietnamese delegation, alongside other international rescue teams, brought hope and helped residents feel less alone amidst their losses.

Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department under the General Staff and head of the Vietnamese military delegation, described Venezuela as one of the most challenging rescue sites he had ever encountered.

The hot weather and many bodies buried for extended periods made the air at the collapsed sites particularly difficult to breathe. At times, members had to wear three masks and apply essential oils, but could only work continuously for about 10-15 minutes before rotating out.

According to Major General Ty, under such harsh conditions, the most crucial factor was psychological preparation: treating the search for victims as if they were their own relatives, to sustain the perseverance needed to complete the mission.

Representatives of the Venezuelan local government bid farewell to the Vietnamese delegation at the airport. Photo: Provided by the Military

Colonel Pham Hung Duong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department, stated that the delegation benefited from experience gained during previous international operations. Close coordination between military and police forces, along with support from Venezuela, ensured the mission's effective execution.

This marks Vietnam's third deployment of forces and resources abroad for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, following operations in Turkey in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025. Many engineers, border guards, and K9 unit members who participated in the two previous operations were also part of this mission.

The Vietnamese delegation is expected to arrive at Noi Bai airport on the night of 10/7, or early morning of 11/7.

Son Ha