During their nearly 10-day mission in Venezuela, the Vietnamese rescuers helped recover victims, provided medical assistance and delivered emergency supplies to communities devastated by powerful twin earthquakes on June 24.
From June 29 to July 6, 2026, the team organized the search and handover of 57 victims to their families and local authorities. A medical station was set up at the scene to examine and distribute medicine to the locals and rescue forces from various countries.
In recognition and honor of the outstanding contributions of the Vietnamese delegation, Venezuela awarded the "Hero of Venezuela" Medal, First Class, to the entire delegation, the "Hero of Venezuela" Medal, Second Class, to all 124 members, and the the “Meritorious Service” Order to the mission’s search-and-rescue dogs.
The Vietnamese rescuers, including military and police forces, were led by Major General Pham Van Ty, deputy director of the Rescue and Relief Department at the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army. Colonel Pham Hung Duong, deputy director of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police Department at the Ministry of Public Security served as deputy head of the delegation.
This is the third time Vietnam has deployed forces and equipment abroad to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission, which has also contributed to enhancing Vietnam's prestige and position in global disaster response activities. Many team members had previously joined earthquake relief operations in Turkey in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025.
