On 1/7 (Vietnam time), the Vietnamese Army Rescue Team reported that after one day of operations, sniffer dogs identified nine suspected victim locations in the earthquake-affected area of La Guaira state. Engineers, collaborating with local residents, excavated seven locations and recovered eight bodies from the rubble; the remaining two locations were handed over to local authorities for further action.

Search operations commenced on the morning of 30/6 in the Playa Grande area, Catia La Mar district, La Guaira state. The Vietnamese team split into five groups, collaborating with local forces to search within an area of approximately 2,2 square kilometers. This region, characterized by tall buildings on slopes, suffered severe landslides following the earthquake.

During their mission, the search groups expanded their scope upon receiving requests for assistance from victims' families. In the early hours of 30/6 (local time), after the Turkish rescue team reported signs of trapped individuals at a site but could not continue operations due to a fuel shortage, Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Rescue and Salvage Department and head of the Vietnamese rescue team, deployed forces and equipment to the scene. They collaborated with the Mexican rescue team to search amidst heavy rain.

Border guard sniffer dogs search for suspected victim locations. *Photo: Rescue team provided*

Sniffer dogs were deployed first to detect and pinpoint victim locations within collapsed structures. Subsequently, engineering forces utilized sound detection equipment and wall-penetrating radar to accurately determine locations before accessing and extracting victims. Military medics simultaneously provided free examinations, treatment, and medication to local residents.

On the night of 28/6, Vietnam dispatched a rescue team comprising 124 officers and soldiers from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security. They brought ten sniffer dogs and tens of tons of supplies to Venezuela to assist in overcoming the earthquake's aftermath.

The rescue team searches for victims on a rainy night. *Photo: Hoang Vu*

Venezuela, a South American nation located over 17,000 kilometers from Vietnam, suffered a double earthquake measuring 7,2 and 7,5 on the Richter scale on 24/6. The disaster resulted in 1.430 fatalities, over 3.000 injuries, and more than 50.000 missing persons. Casualties are projected to rise further due to numerous collapsed structures, including Simon Bolivar International Airport.

This marks the third instance since 2023 that Vietnam has deployed military and public security forces for international earthquake rescue missions, following assistance efforts in Turkey in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025.

Hoang Phuong - Son Ha