A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) plane landed at the El Libertador Military Base, located in Maracay, Venezuela. The arrival marks the beginning of the Brazilian humanitarian operation aimed at the neighboring country.
The KC-390 Millennium aircraft, operated by the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron, transported a team made up of doctors, sniffer dogs and cutting-edge equipment. The objective is to assist in search and rescue actions after the earthquakes that hit the region.
The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was responsible for coordinating all mobilization in Brazil.
The Urban Search and Rescue team is made up of professionals from the National Secretariat for Civil Protection and Defense (Sedec/MIDR). In addition, there are soldiers from the Military Fire Departments of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Paraná, and specialists from the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel).
Overview of earthquakes and impacts in Venezuela
Venezuela was hit by two strong earthquakes, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred on Wednesday night (24) less than a minute apart. The latest official information pointed to 235 deaths and 4,300 injuries as a result of the earthquakes. The humanitarian crisis already faced by the country intensifies the need for external support at this critical time.
As stated by Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez and foreign governments, several international delegations are already in the country providing assistance:
- Mexico
- Chile
- El Salvador
- United States
- Qatar
- Spain
- UN member nations
The initial estimate is that the Brazilian team will remain in Venezuela for 15 days, with the possibility of an extension for the same period. The immediate focus of operations is the search and rescue of survivors, in a true race against time.
According to Karoline Magalhães, spokesperson for the São Paulo Fire Department, the formation of “air pockets” in collapsed structures is crucial. These pockets can allow people to survive for a considerable period, five to ten days, after a collapse.
Defense Minister José Múcio is scheduled to travel to Venezuela next week, where he will coordinate aid efforts. Still this Saturday (27), two more aircraft will depart towards the country, transporting medicines and a complete field hospital.
In parallel with government actions, civil society also demonstrates great mobilization. In Roraima, Brazilians and Venezuelans living in the region are actively engaged in collecting donations for the victims.
Volunteer Ubeimi Giraldo highlighted the seriousness of the situation. “The situation is already complicated, and current events make it worse,” he said, appealing for any type of donation, be it food or other essential items.
Details about sending the third Brazilian plane to Venezuela
The Brazilian government announced, this Saturday (27), the sending of a third humanitarian flight to Venezuela. This new shipment will include essential medicine kits and additional components for assembling a field hospital.
The aircraft is scheduled to take off this Saturday afternoon, departing from Galeão Air Base, in Rio de Janeiro. This operation is part of the broad global effort to help victims of recent earthquakes in the neighboring nation.
In an official statement, the government detailed that the medicines are for use in emergencies. The shipment includes crucial items such as antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, injectable solutions, as well as materials such as bandages, gauze, infusion devices, syringes, gloves, plasters and masks.
The government note specified that Brazil will send a total of five calamity kits, totaling 111,800 medicines and supplies to Venezuela. This amount will be able to serve approximately 1,500 people for one month, without impacting the stock of the national Unified Health System (SUS).