The Autonomous Region of Madeira is dispatching 18 specialist emergency responders to Venezuela as part of a Joint Operational Force supporting rescue work after last week’s earthquakes. The Madeiran contingent will operate with personnel from the Azores to help search for, locate and rescue victims after two quakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale hit northern Venezuela. The mission is being carried out under the principles of international solidarity, cooperation and humanitarian assistance, with the goal of reinforcing emergency response in a highly complex disaster zone. Madeira’s team includes six operatives from the Regional Civil Protection Service, 11 firefighters from the Region’s fire brigades and one doctor from the Rapid Intervention Medical Team (EMIR). Richard Marques, President of the Regional Civil Protection Service, said the group’s mixed expertise will allow it to provide search and rescue, medical support, aerial reconnaissance, telecommunications, and command and operational coordination. Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Freitas, said the deployment reflects Madeira’s commitment to humanitarian aid and the spirit of solidarity in service of life. The Joint Operational Force will be self-sufficient for an estimated 12-day mission, bringing its own accommodation, food, drinking water, communications equipment, medical supplies and specialist rescue gear, while all personnel have already met health and vaccination requirements.
