An advance team from the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) is currently deployed in earthquake-affected Venezuela for the purpose of establishing its Field Medical Hospital. The team accompanied by Ambassador to Venezuela, Commander Aquinas Clarke, left the island on Friday along with officials of the Venezuelan Embass, to conduct preliminary site assessments and coordination, pending formal authorisation of full-scale deployment.
Meanwhile,a specialized Search and Rescue Team (SART), comprising members of the Barbados Defence Force and the Barbados Fire Service, is now in Caracas – the Venezuelan capital, to support ongoing humanitarian efforts.
SART led by Captain Shawn Brome of the BDF, brought with them advanced Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) equipment to aid in critical recovery operations.
According to SART, the deployment underscores Barbados’ commitment to regional solidarity and swift response in times of crisis.
Barbados joins a host of countries now in the South American country in the aftermath of last week’s twin earthquakes.
At least 1,430 people have died and the death toll is expected to climb.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the two earthquakes were a rare phenomenon called a ‘doublet.’ This occurs when two quakes of a similar magnitude occur in quick succession, often causing more damage than a single event.