4,333 Deaths in Venezuela Earthquakes; Rescue Team from Mexico

Following the twin earthquake disaster that occurred in Venezuela on 24 June and caused massive destruction, international humanitarian aid continues to be extended to the country. The 'Yumare' humanitarian aid mission, sent to the region by the Mexican government, achieved great success with its operations. According to official statements, the Mexican team managed to recover a total of 92 bodies from under the rubble. Additionally, two people who managed to survive during the ongoing search and rescue efforts were rescued by the teams. In field hospitals set up to meet the urgent needs of the people in the disaster area, thousands of individuals received medical treatment.

The 'Yumare' search and rescue team, formed under the Mexican National Defense Secretariat, stands out as one of the most experienced and well-equipped units in the field. This massive team, consisting of 264 expert personnel and 18 specially trained search dogs, worked tirelessly in the earthquake zone for a full 15 days. The working conditions of the teams were extremely harsh and exhausting, with personnel reportedly working shifts exceeding 24 hours. Within the scope of humanitarian aid operations, efforts were made to reach not only humans but also living creatures trapped under the rubble, and two dogs were rescued alive. The team also conducted 2,059 medical consultations in tent hospitals, significantly alleviating the burden of healthcare services in the region.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum organized a grand welcoming and appreciation ceremony for the rescue teams returning to their country at the Santa Lucía Military Base. In her speech at the ceremony, Sheinbaum emphasized that the dedication displayed by the teams reflects the solidary and humanitarian spirit of the Mexican people. The President stated that the principle of leaving no one behind during such international crises is a cornerstone of Mexican culture, noting that they sent an important message to the world. Sheinbaum added that this operation proved that cooperation and mutual solidarity between nations are always possible, even beyond national borders. On this occasion, she congratulated all military and civilian personnel who served under difficult conditions for their heroism.

It has been noted that the rescue mission's operations extended far beyond search efforts, evolving into a comprehensive logistics and humanitarian aid operation. The Mexican government transported more than 70 tons of emergency humanitarian aid materials to the earthquake zone via eight different flights and two ships belonging to the Naval Secretariat. The materials distributed in the region included food and shelter supplies, as well as more than 13 tons of emergency medicines and medical consumables. To meet the electricity needs in the area where the infrastructure had collapsed, eight different mobile power plants were installed, ensuring the operation of critical facilities. Additionally, an emergency surgery was performed on a wounded Venezuelan military personnel in a mobile operating room set up under field conditions, saving their life.

One of the symbolic moments of the ceremony was the presentation of a thank-you letter, delivered by Venezuela Presidential Delegate Delcy Rodríguez to the commander of the Mexican delegation, to Sheinbaum. Along with this letter, the Mexican team was awarded the 'First Class Venezuela Hero' medal, the highest honor given by the Venezuelan state for humanitarian aid and assistance operations. Mexican National Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo pointed out that his country has carried out a total of 98 international humanitarian aid missions in 30 different countries since 1996. Meanwhile, the latest official death toll shared by the Venezuelan government has risen to 4,333 following the devastating earthquakes, while the number of injured has reached 16,740. While thousands of people affected by the disaster remain homeless, it was also reported that 86,794 families have benefited from various forms of assistance.