Venezuela – Portuguese emergency team departs this Friday

The National Joint Force activated by Portugal to support the search, rescue and first response in Venezuela following the earthquakes that hit the region departs today.

With a total of 64 personnel, the teams combine specialised capabilities in search and rescue operations, victim recovery, disaster response, and emergency medical assistance.

They will travel on two Portuguese Air Force Kc-390 aircraft departing from Air Base 11 in Beja. On board are 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid to assist the relief operations for the populations struck.

The emergency team comprises members of the National Republican Guard Special Unit for Protection and Relief (UEPS), the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and the National Emergency Medical Services (INEM).

The Portuguese cooperation is the outcome of a coordination effort engaging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, reflecting Portugal's commitment to international solidarity and support for Venezuela, a country where are significant Portuguese and Luso-descendent community resides.