Elite US rescue teams head to Venezuela after deadly quakes
Specialized American search and rescue teams are in Venezuela aiding efforts after a pair of major earthquakes struck the country this week.
The elite emergency units include urban search and rescue personnel from Fairfax County, Virginia; Los Angeles County, California; and Miami-Dade County, Florida. They were activated by the U.S. Department of State and are being deployed to the area along with a regional disaster assistance response team.
"When disaster strikes, we answer the call," read a post by Virginia Task Force 1 on Facebook. "We are honored to represent the United States in this mission, bringing our expertise, compassion and unwavering dedication to support those affected."
The June 25 quakes – registering 7.5 and 7.2 – struck within a minute of each other, centered off the coast west of Caracas. The one-two punch wreaked massive destruction throughout the region, killing at least 235 and wounding more than 4,300. Hundreds are still trapped beneath the rubble.
The 71-member Los Angeles County team said it was sending 84,000 pounds of equipment and six canine teams from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Public Works and Los Angeles Health Services.
"We are proud and thankful to represent the U.S. on this mission," it said in a social media post.
Virginia's 79-member team, which also includes six canines, said it had arrived midday Friday. Earlier this week, the unit noted that it had recently participated in a strategic airlift exercise at Dover Air Force Base in partnership with the State Department and Air Mobility Command.
The exercise was intended to improve the unit's deployment efficiency "because when disaster strikes, every minute saved is a minute gained for those in need."
The 80-member Miami-Dade Urban Search and Rescue Team, known as Florida Task Force 1, said it was set to depart for Venezuela Friday evening. The team is among the nation's most experienced, it said, having been deployed following the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing, the collapse of the World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina and the Surfside building collapse.
"From the moment we learned of this tragedy, our team has remained on standby, ready to respond," the unit said. "Many in our community have family, friends, and loved ones in Venezuela, making this mission especially meaningful. We deploy with one purpose: to provide hope and help those affected during this difficult time."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elite US rescue teams head to Venezuela after deadly quakes
Reporting by Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 9:23 PM.