A 68 strong team from UK Fire and Rescue Services has been deployed to Venezuela following two devastating back to back earthquakes.
International support request
The UK International Search and Rescue team (UK ISAR) was deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office after a request for support from the Venezuelan government.
The team includes firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services: Cheshire, Essex, Greater Manchester, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, Scotland, South Wales and West Midlands.
Alongside the 68 personnel, the team is taking six specially trained dogs to assist with search operations.
NFCC National Resilience role
UK ISAR forms part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Resilience work and remains on permanent standby to mobilise when disaster affected countries request assistance.
The team is expected to support search and rescue operations for up to 10 days.
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said: “The thoughts of everyone across the UK’s fire and rescue services are with those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
“In response to a request made through the UK Government, a team of highly trained UK firefighters and specialist medics has been deployed to support the international rescue effort.
“These firefighters bring exceptional skill, experience and dedication, and will work alongside local and international teams to provide vital search and rescue support where it is needed most, with the intent to help save lives in extremely challenging conditions.
“Their mission is clear and I know they will respond with focus, compassion and care.”
