The British government has mobilised a specialised search and rescue team to Venezuela as the death toll from the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s northern coast on Tuesday continues to rise. At least 350 people have been confirmed dead, with the number expected to increase as emergency services reach remote communities.
In a statement released from Downing Street, the Prime Minister confirmed the deployment of 120 personnel from the UK International Search and Rescue team, alongside specialist equipment and medical supplies. The team is expected to arrive in Caracas within 24 hours.
The earthquake, which hit at 03:47 local time, caused widespread destruction in the states of Falcón and Lara, levelling buildings and triggering landslides. Hospitals in the affected areas have been overwhelmed, and power and communications remain disrupted.
Britain’s response represents the largest single contribution from a European nation. France and Germany have offered logistical support, but the UK has taken the lead, coordinating with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Foreign Office confirmed that 14 British nationals are believed to be in the affected region. Consular staff have been dispatched to provide assistance.
Critics have questioned the speed of the international response, noting that the Venezuelan government’s own emergency services were ill-prepared for a disaster of this scale. The country’s infrastructure, already weakened by years of economic crisis, has compounded the challenges faced by rescue workers.
The British rescue team includes structural engineers, medics, and dog handlers. They will work alongside local authorities and international partners to locate survivors trapped in the rubble.
Downing Street has also pledged £5 million in humanitarian aid, with further support likely as the full extent of the damage becomes clear. The Prime Minister said the UK’s response reflects its commitment to international solidarity in times of crisis.
The earthquake has drawn attention to the fragility of Venezuela’s state institutions. The disaster comes at a time of heightened political tension, with the government of Nicolás Maduro facing international sanctions and domestic opposition.
Nevertheless, the immediate focus remains on saving lives. The British team’s arrival is a significant boost to the rescue effort, bringing expertise and resources that are in short supply.
The situation on the ground remains chaotic. Aftershocks have hampered operations, and access to some areas is only possible by helicopter. The British team has been advised to prepare for a sustained deployment.
The earthquake is the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century. Its impact has been felt across the region, with tremors reported as far away as Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago.
As the death toll mounts, the international community is being called upon to do more. The UK’s leadership in this effort sets a precedent for coordinated disaster response in a region often overlooked by global powers.
