Vietnam's rescue and relief team departed Venezuela on July 9 after completing its earthquake response mission, following days of search, humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts in the country's hardest-hit areas.
On the afternoon of July 9 (local time), Vietnam's rescue and disaster response delegation departed La Guaira state for home, marking the end of its mission to assist Venezuela in recovering from the devastating earthquake.
The delegation was seen off at the airport by Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My, along with officials and staff from the Vietnamese Embassy and the Office of the Vietnamese Defense Attaché in Venezuela.
Also attending the farewell ceremony were Andrea Corea, Venezuela's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia, the Middle East and Oceania, together with officials from the Ministry of Defense and other government agencies.
The Vietnamese delegation donates medical equipment, medicines, food, tents and US$15,000 to support Venezuela's disaster recovery efforts. Photo: People's Army Newspaper
Earlier that morning, before departing, the Vietnamese delegation donated medical equipment, medicines, food, tents and other essential supplies. Team members also contributed US$15,000 to support Venezuela's disaster recovery efforts.
Daniel Gasparri, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs official responsible for coordinating international rescue missions, expressed his gratitude to Vietnam for dispatching rescue personnel and providing humanitarian assistance despite the distance separating the two countries.
He said Vietnam's support had arrived at a crucial time and was greatly needed as Venezuela continues to face significant challenges following the disaster.
Gasparri also thanked each member of the Vietnamese delegation for their compassion and solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
The delegation is expected to arrive at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport later tonight.
Search, recovery and humanitarian assistance
Representatives of Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs bid farewell to the Vietnamese delegation. Photo: People's Army Newspaper
Vietnam's rescue and relief team consisted of 124 members from the military and public security forces. Many had previously taken part in earthquake response operations in Türkiye in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025.
The team was deployed to Playa Grande in La Guaira state, the area hardest hit by the twin earthquakes. The locality suffered extensive destruction, with numerous high-rise buildings on steep hillsides collapsing during the disaster.
During the mission, Vietnamese rescuers recovered dozens of victims' bodies from the rubble. They also worked with Venezuelan authorities to identify and hand over multiple locations believed to contain additional victims, helping bring closure to grieving families.
In addition, the team provided free medical examinations and medicines, distributed relief supplies and assisted local residents in moving their belongings.
Venezuela honors Vietnamese rescuers
Vietnam's rescue team completed its earthquake response mission in Venezuela. Photo: People's Army Newspaper
In recognition of the delegation's outstanding contributions, Venezuela awarded the collective the First-Class "Hero of Venezuela" Medal. All 124 team members received the Second-Class "Hero of Venezuela" Medal, while the delegation's search dogs were presented with the "Meritorious Service" Order.
According to Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, the presence of Vietnam's rescue team, alongside other international rescue forces, brought hope to local communities and demonstrated that the South American country was not alone in overcoming the disaster's aftermath.
The delegation's achievements reflected Vietnam's longstanding tradition of compassion and mutual support, while reinforcing the country's role as a trusted friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community. The mission also highlighted the strong relationship between Vietnam and Venezuela.
Ambassador Vu Trung My said Vietnam's decision to send a rescue delegation was rooted in the two countries' traditional friendship, Vietnam's foreign policy and its commitment to international responsibility. He said the mission also demonstrated Vietnam's capability and readiness to work alongside the international community in responding to global challenges and humanitarian disasters.
According to the ambassador, the deployment also reflected Vietnam's humanitarian tradition of solidarity and compassion. Empathy for the hardships endured by the Venezuelan people inspired the rescue personnel to overcome the long geographical distance and difficult operating conditions to successfully complete their mission.
Vietnamnet.vn
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