The Portuguese response to the earthquakes in Venezuela has reached the country, but the 18 operatives prepared by the Autonomous Region of Madeira were left behind. Their exclusion was caused by the decision to limit the mission to the capacity of the two Portuguese Air Force KC-390 aircraft. The Regional Government is now working with national authorities to obtain a third military flight that would allow the Madeiran contingent to travel. Officials want the team to join the international rescue effort while survivors are still being searched for under the rubble. The Madeira group includes six members of the Regional Civil Protection Service, 11 firefighters from various corporations across the region, and a doctor from the Rapid Intervention Medical Team (EMIR). All of them had completed the required vaccinations and operational preparations, and they are currently waiting for transport while monitoring the mission remotely. Meanwhile, the National Joint Force has already set up its base at the Luso-Venezuelan Centre in Catia del Mar, where Portuguese operations are being coordinated.
