Colombia sends rescue teams, aid to Venezuela after devastating earthquakes

Colombia has deployed a 73-person elite USAR team with four rescue dogs to Venezuela following the double earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck on June 24, 2026. The team, coordinated by the UNGRD, includes firefighters from Bogotá, Medellín, and Envigado, along with military and police specialists Source: infobae. The first flights carrying the team and 12 tonnes of supplies landed in Maiquetía early on June 26 Source: infobae; elnacionalve.

Rescue operations

• The USAR team is certified by the United Nations and capable of working in collapsed structures Source: lasillavacia.
• Notable canine member Dastan, a Belgian Malinois from the Bogotá Fire Department, previously served in the 2010 Haiti earthquake Source: elcolombiano.
• Eight firefighters from Envigado and 22 from Medellín have joined the mission, with the latter staying for seven days Source: eltiempoco; elcolombiano.

Political and civilian solidarity

Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo expressed solidarity on social media, stating, “Acompañamos su duelo y su proceso de recuperación” Source: infobae. The business sector also responded: airlines like Avianca and Latam offered flexible rebooking, while telecom companies Digitel and Movistar provided free calls and SMS Source: larepublicaco. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán coordinated technical support including engineers and water purification .