Searches continue for Venezuela earthquake survivors

By Nathan Rennolds Published on 27/06/2026 - 10:23 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copied More than 520 emergency responders from across the EU have been mobilised to support search and rescue efforts in Venezuela, the European Commission said. Rescue workers are continuing to search for survivors of two deadly earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The country was hit by back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and killing 920 people and injuring 3,360. At least 383 buildings, 13 hospitals, 25 shopping centres and 1,002 other structures are said to have been affected by the quakes. Tens of thousands of people are reportedly still missing. Emergency responders from around the world are now supporting search operations in Venezuela, with teams from across the European Union deployed to some of the nation's hardest hit areas. More than 520 rescuers from across the EU have been mobilised, with the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg having provided assistance, according to the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department. Here's what we know about European and US rescue efforts so far. Spain Spain has deployed 59 military personnel from its Military Emergency Unit, two army engineers and eight canine units to assist with rescue operations. The rescue team, part of the 2nd Emergency Intervention Battalion, uses specially trained search dogs, cameras and geophones to carry out searches. Forty personnel and four dogs from Madrid's Emergency and Rapid Response team have also landed in Venezuela and will head to the capital, Caracas. The Netherlands Specialists from the Netherlands' Urban Search and Rescue team have departed from Eindhoven Air Base to Venezuela along with their search dogs. The team comprises 64 experts and eight search dogs. Switzerland Switzerland has sent 80 specialists, eight search dogs, and 18 tons of equipment to Venezuela. "Upon arrival, the teams will coordinate with local authorities to search for, clear, and rescue earthquake victims buried under the rubble," the Swiss foreign ministry said. Italy Rome is deploying its air force as well as personnel from the Crisis Unit of the ministry of foreign affairs, the ministry of defense, the fire brigade, and the civil protection department. The Italian defence ministry announced on Saturday morning that its first military aircraft had landed in Venezuela, carrying search and rescue teams. A second aircraft was also ready to transport additional personnel and specialists, it said. France France is deploying a detachment from the 4th and 7th Civil Security Training and Intervention Regiments, per the Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Crisis Management. The detachment includes rescue and rubble-clearance specialists, as well as medical teams and canine units. United States The US Department of State said the states of California and Virginia have sent search and rescue teams to Venezuela. They are supported by the US military personnel and include doctors, engineers, and firefighters, as well as search dogs. US Southern Command has also deployed transport aircraft, Chinook helicopters, and the USS Billings combat ship to support Caracas. Writing on his Truth Social account, US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the US was "ready, willing, and able to help" Venezuela. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Venezuela updates earthquake toll: 920 dead, 3,360 injured Seismic doublet: the phenomenon that turned Venezuela's tragedy into catastrophe Searches continue for Venezuela earthquake survivors Venezuela Rescue Caracas Earthquake