German rescue specialists arrive in Venezuela
Almost 50 members of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) have been flown to the earthquake-hit disaster zone aboard German Air Force aircraft. Further assistance is expected to follow.
Berlin (dpa) – German rescue teams have arrived in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country. An aircraft operated by the German Air Force transported 48 members of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and four search dogs to the disaster zone. The team forms part of the THW's Rapid Deployment Unit for Rescue Operations Abroad (SEEBA). Established after the 1985 earthquake disaster in Mexico, the unit specialises in searching for and rescuing people trapped in urban areas following major earthquakes. Since 2007, SEEBA has held international certification, demonstrating that it meets the quality standards of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group. The unit has taken part in numerous overseas missions, most recently following the 2020 explosion at the port of Beirut and the devastating earthquake in Turkey in 2023.
The Bundeswehr is also due to fly humanitarian aid from the Malteser International to Venezuela on Saturday.
