Mexico Sends Humanitarian Aid to Venezuela Following Earthquakes

Following instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, and in keeping with Mexico's tradition of solidarity, two Air Force transport aircraft departed at 14:30 today bound for Venezuela, carrying humanitarian aid following the June 24 earthquakes.

The aid includes a contingent of 261 personnel, 240 from the Army, 11 from the Air Force, and 10 from the National Guard, among them physicians, paramedics, and nurses, as well as specialists in search and rescue operations to provide immediate assistance to those affected; 18 canine search teams trained to locate people trapped in collapsed structures; 4.4 tons of tools, materials, and equipment; and 2.7 tons of medical supplies. The contingent departed from Santa Lucía Air Base in the State of Mexico.

A C-130 Hercules heavy transport aircraft is also expected to depart within the coming hours, carrying 8 tons of medicine and 4 tons of rescue equipment and materials.

As the President noted this morning, once the Mexican delegation arrives in Venezuela and meets with local authorities, a decision will be made on whether to send reinforcements to support relief efforts for the affected population.

The Government of Mexico expresses its deep condolences for the loss of life and the material damage caused by this disaster, and its wishes for a swift recovery for those injured. Mexico reaffirms its humanitarian tradition and spirit of solidarity with the peoples of Latin America and the world.