As of July 5 (local time), the Vietnamese rescue team had spent six days supporting post-earthquake operations in Venezuela, recovering 54 victims' bodies from collapsed structures and handing them over to Venezuelan authorities.

Amid the demanding rescue mission, team members also organized a humanitarian visit to temporary shelters in Playa Grande, La Guaira State, where they distributed essential relief packages to residents whose homes and livelihoods had been severely affected.

The relief packages were prepared during the team's overnight rest periods, with members sorting and packing supplies after long hours at disaster sites.

Each package was carefully assembled to address the most urgent needs of affected families, including face masks, toilet paper, instant noodles, canned meat and emergency rations.

Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of Vietnam's Rescue and Salvage Department under the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and head of the Vietnamese mission, expressed sympathy for the immense losses suffered by the Venezuelan people.

"These small gifts represent the heartfelt support of the Vietnamese team. The Vietnamese people have also experienced many hardships, so we deeply understand what you are going through. We believe the resilience of the Venezuelan people will help you overcome this difficult period," he said.

Rescue dogs become symbols of hope

Alongside the rescue specialists, Vietnam's eight search-and-rescue dogs have played a vital role in operations at collapsed buildings.

Working in hazardous conditions, the dogs' ability to detect human scent has enabled rescue teams to identify potential victim locations, narrow search areas and determine the safest approach for engineering units clearing massive concrete debris.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez praised the Vietnamese canine unit, describing it as one of the most effective among all international rescue teams deploying search dogs during the disaster response.

In a letter of appreciation, she said the dogs' tireless scent detection had become "a beacon of hope" amid the ruins.

She wrote that every bark, every indication from the dogs and every minute of relentless searching helped make the difference between despair and reunion for countless families.

She also emphasized that courage knows no borders or language barriers, adding that the loyalty and instincts of the rescue dogs, together with the professionalism and dedication of their handlers, would remain in the memories of those they had helped.

Venezuelan government honors Vietnam's rescue dogs

During a visit to the Vietnamese team's base on the evening of July 3 (local time), Acting President Delcy Rodriguez personally thanked the delegation and presented an official letter of appreciation.

In recognition of their outstanding contribution to earthquake search-and-rescue efforts, she also awarded the Order of Meritorious Service to Vietnam's search dog unit.

One of the decorated dogs, Xu Kip, represented the unit in receiving the medal. Xu Kip previously participated in rescue operations following the Lang Nu landslide disaster in Vietnam.

Three other dogs in the team had earlier taken part in international earthquake relief missions in Türkiye and Myanmar in 2023 and 2025.

The eight rescue dogs have been described as one of the Vietnamese mission's most valuable operational assets, working side by side with their handlers throughout the deployment.

After long hours searching disaster sites, the dogs are carefully cared for by their trainers and have also received warm visits from members of Vietnam's expatriate community in Venezuela.

Vietnam recognized for international solidarity

On July 3, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez presided over a ceremony honoring international rescue teams for their contributions to earthquake response efforts.

She expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity and timely assistance provided by foreign governments, humanitarian organizations and international rescue teams, saying their presence had brought hope to communities devastated by the disaster and demonstrated that Venezuela was not facing the crisis alone.

Back in Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang sent a letter of commendation to the officers and professional soldiers participating in the mission.

He acknowledged the challenging deployment conditions, including the long-distance mobilization, difficult living and working environment, and continuing aftershocks that posed significant risks to rescue personnel.

The letter praised the team's professionalism, determination and previous international disaster-response experience, noting that they had worked against the clock alongside Venezuelan authorities to recover victims, provide on-site medical assistance and ensure the safety of all personnel.

According to General Phan Van Giang, the mission reflects Vietnam's tradition of international solidarity and showcases the professionalism, humanitarian spirit and dedication associated with the country's armed forces on the global stage.

Tran Thuong