Two consecutive earthquakes that hit Venezuela on June 24 caused exceptionally severe human and material losses. According to updates as of June 28, more than 1,400 people have been killed, over 50,000 remain missing, and tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed.
Following directives from the leadership of the Communist Party, the State, and the Government of Viet Nam, the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security simultaneously held mission assignment and deployment ceremonies on June 28 for the forces departing to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Venezuela.
Vietnamese military brings nearly 90 tonnes of relief supplies to Venezuela
Under a decision by the Ministry of National Defence, the Viet Nam People's Army delegation consists of 82 officers and soldiers, including 26 commissioned officers and 56 professional servicemen, led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department under the General Staff of the Viet Nam People's Army.
According to the Ministry of National Defence's official portal, the Engineering Corps has brought a wide range of modern specialized equipment, including victim detection devices for locating survivors beneath collapsed structures, hydraulic spreaders, lifting equipment, concrete drilling and cutting tools, and other rescue equipment to enable rapid access to and rescue of trapped victims. The Military Medical Corps has been fully equipped with medicines, medical supplies, and healthcare equipment to provide first aid, emergency treatment, and medical care to victims directly at the disaster site. Meanwhile, the Border Guard Force has deployed eight working dogs and 10 experienced handlers and personnel to Venezuela, enhancing the effectiveness of search operations and the detection of survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
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| General Nguyen Tan Cuong encourages members of the delegation. (Photo: Ministry of National Defence) |
This marks the third time the Vietnamese military has deployed personnel overseas to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Many members of the delegation previously participated directly in rescue operations following the earthquakes in Türkiye in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025, gaining valuable practical experience in post-earthquake search and rescue.
To ensure the delegation can begin operations immediately upon arrival, logistical preparations have been carried out urgently. The General Department of Logistics and Technical Services directed the assembly, inspection, and packaging of all relief supplies. 22 Joint Stock Company has organized continuous three-shift production to provide 50 tonnes of compressed emergency rations, three tonnes of canned meat, 3,000 litres of clean water, 1,600 tents, 15 generators, and numerous other search and rescue supplies. The total volume of relief goods and equipment is estimated at approximately 88 tonnes.
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| Personnel of Brigade 971 under the Vehicle and Transport Department (General Department of Logistics and Technical Services) prepare to transport relief supplies to Noi Bai International Airport. (Photo: Ministry of National Defence) |
According to the plan, the delegation will travel by air from Noi Bai International Airport to Maiquetia International Airport before proceeding overland to the capital, Caracas. The total flight time is expected to be approximately 24 hours, while the mission is scheduled to last around 20 days.
Speaking at the mission assignment conference for the force participating in earthquake relief operations in Venezuela on June 28, General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission, Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam People's Army, and Deputy Minister of National Defence, stated that this is an especially important international mission, clearly demonstrating the humanitarian, peace-oriented, and responsible foreign policy of the Communist Party and the State of Viet Nam. It also provides an opportunity to further affirm Viet Nam's prestige and standing in global disaster response efforts while strengthening the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Venezuela.
The General instructed all personnel to fully recognize the exceptionally challenging and hazardous nature of the mission; closely coordinate with the People's Public Security Force of Viet Nam, international rescue teams, and local authorities; ensure absolute safety for personnel and equipment; uphold the noble qualities of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers"; and contribute to promoting the image of Viet Nam and its people to the international community.
Ministry of Public Security deploys rescue force and more than 20 tonnes of relief supplies to Venezuela
Also on June 28 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Public Security held a deployment ceremony for its rescue and relief force before its departure to Venezuela.
The delegation comprises officers with expertise and experience in searching for victims at collapsed structures, emergency medical care, communications, logistics, technical support, and rescue command. It is equipped with victim detection systems, specialized rescue vehicles, medical supplies, and essential logistical resources, enabling immediate deployment upon arrival at the disaster site. Colonel Pham Hung Duong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police Department, heads the delegation, which consists of 41 members.
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| Officers participating in rescue and relief operations in Venezuela. (Photo: Ministry of Public Security) |
Initially, the Ministry of Public Security plans to transport more than 20 tonnes of relief supplies, including essential goods, medicines, and various materials required for rescue operations.
According to the Ministry of Public Security's official portal, speaking at the deployment ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Public Security, expressed his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, as well as to the families of the victims. He affirmed that Viet Nam's prompt deployment of rescue personnel to the disaster-stricken area is intended not only to assist those affected by the catastrophe but also to demonstrate international solidarity, humanitarian responsibility, and the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Venezuela.
The Deputy Minister instructed all members of the delegation to remain steadfast, united, and disciplined, while proactively coordinating with local authorities to successfully accomplish their mission, thereby further promoting the image of Viet Nam and its people as compassionate and responsible.
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| Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen encourages members of the delegation before their departure. (Photo: Ministry of Public Security) |
Present at the deployment ceremony, Estela del Valle Quijada Suarez expressed her deep appreciation and gratitude to the Communist Party, the State, the Government, and the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam for promptly dispatching rescue forces to assist Venezuela. According to her, the presence of Viet Nam's rescue and relief personnel at a time when Venezuela is suffering tremendous losses not only provides much-needed manpower and equipment but also symbolizes the friendship, solidarity, and close bond between the peoples of the two countries.
She expressed confidence that, with their experience, sense of responsibility, and courage, the Vietnamese officers and personnel would make an important contribution to helping communities in the earthquake-affected areas overcome this difficult period. She also wished the delegation every success in fulfilling its mission and a safe return home.
Source: Vietnamtimes
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