British search and rescue specialists have deployed to Venezuela as the confirmed death toll from Wednesday’s twin earthquakes approaches 1,000. A Royal Air Force aircraft departed Brize Norton on Friday carrying 68 personnel, along with search dogs and drone technology, to bolster international recovery efforts.
The British government has committed £2 million in humanitarian aid to support the region. The back-to-back tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck 160km west of Caracas, displacing tens of thousands. Local hospitals are currently facing severe shortages of medical supplies while struggling to manage the influx of injured residents.
As of Friday evening, over 52,000 people were listed as missing on a dedicated registry. Coordinated by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the British team includes various emergency specialists. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported that 215 aftershocks have occurred, leading to a declared state of emergency and the suspension of critical transport infrastructure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for those mourning the loss of family and homes during this crisis.
