25 Experts from the Mexican Red Cross, Dogs, and Equipment Join Rescues in Venezuela

ByLaura Poy and Arturo Sánchez

This article by Laura Poy and Arturo Sánchez originally appeared in the June 28, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Mexican Red Cross (CRM) reported that a Mexican search and rescue team left for Venezuela this Saturday to support relief efforts following the earthquakes that affected that country this week.

The agency noted on its social media that, in coordination with the CRM and the airline Volaris, 25 specialists from the Red Cross Urban Search and Rescue Unit and the Cancún International Rescue Brigade were deployed, as well as a member of the Topos Azteca.

The mission is also carrying five canine teams and 3.5 tons of specialized equipment and tools for the work of locating and rescuing people.

The experts left yesterday morning from the Toluca airport, in the State of Mexico. The flight also transported hydraulic rescue tools, technological search, cutting, and penetration equipment; stabilization and shoring systems, and specialized tools for locating people.

For its part, the CRM reported that the deployment will last approximately 14 days, during which the team will provide support in search and rescue operations, locating people, and damage assessment.

The Red Cross called on the public to help with donations to assist the affected population in Venezuela, and clarified that for the moment it has not set up collection centers.

Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that since last Thursday it has activated its emergency response mechanisms to support the health response in Venezuela. It added that rapid response teams are on alert in neighboring countries, while PAHO’s Regional Strategic Reserve for Emergencies and Disasters in Panama is speeding up the shipment of essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment as needed.