Lithuania deploys rescue and medical teams to earthquake-hit Venezuela

Lithuania has dispatched rescue and medical teams to Venezuela following a devastating earthquake, as reported by LRT.

The government approved the mission, and on Sunday, teams of rescuers and medical specialists were deployed. Acting Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius stated that Lithuania is demonstrating leadership by sending aid, noting that neighboring Latvia, Poland, and Estonia have not dispatched rescue teams.

“Lithuania is taking a leading role, encouraging other countries to join us. Perhaps we are more experienced in crises and understand that it is difficult to survive alone in such situations, and helping others is essential,” Kondratovičius said at a press conference held at the Firefighters’ Rescue School, where the teams departed for their mission.

The first team consists of 20 specialized urban search and rescue firefighters, two border guard dog handlers with service dogs, and two emergency medical technicians. The second team includes 20 specialists—15 doctors from various healthcare institutions and five logisticians from the Fire and Rescue Department.

Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Center coordinating the mission, said Lithuania is the ninth European country to send aid to Venezuela. “Lithuania is unique because we have two teams—both rescuers and medical personnel. It is remarkable that we can mobilize these capabilities so quickly. Speed is crucial in such operations,” Vitkauskas said.

The teams will first travel to Germany and then fly to Venezuela aboard German military aircraft. The mission will include approximately six tons of specialized equipment, such as acoustic and seismic detectors, thermal imagers, ground-penetrating radars, and search cameras to locate people under rubble, as well as hydraulic and pneumatic rescue equipment. Around 20 tons of humanitarian and medical aid will also be sent.

Kondratovičius estimated the cost of the equipment and medicines at approximately €190,000, noting this is a preliminary figure and additional costs will be assessed after the mission concludes.

Deputy Health Minister Skirmantas Krunkaitis stated the medical team is equipped with medications and supplies to provide outpatient, surgical, and anesthesiological care. “This is a certified medical team that meets the highest standards, capable of providing assistance from simple injuries to critical conditions,” he said.