July 3, 2026- The Czech Republic has joined the international relief effort following the devastating
earthquake that struck Venezuela during the night of 25 June 2026 through the
European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. As part of the humanitarian response, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic initiated the deployment of a Czech
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team consisting of 69 emergency responders,
including two military doctors, eight search-and-rescue dogs, and specialized
equipment. The Czech team is engaged in search, stabilization, and debris-removal
operations in the hardest-hit areas. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bogotá,
Colombia, which is accredited to Venezuela, also played a significant role in organizing
the deployment of the rescue team.
According to the latest official figures, the disaster has claimed 1,943 lives and injured more
than 10,500 people. The scale of the destruction is extraordinary. Preliminary assessments
based on satellite imagery indicated that nearly 59,000 buildings in the affected region may
have been damaged or destroyed.
The international response ranks among the largest humanitarian operations in the region in
recent years. Fourteen European Union Member States, Türkiye, and other international
partners are participating in the relief effort. Overall, assistance from approximately
24 countries has either reached or is on the way to Venezuela. More than 3,000 foreign rescue
workers and humanitarian personnel are currently operating in the country. The European
Union has also announced an additional €5 million in humanitarian assistance dedicated
specifically to the earthquake response.
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bogotá has made a major contribution to the Czech
mission. Czech diplomats have assisted in organizing the deployment of the rescue team,
establishing contacts with key Venezuelan counterparts, and resolving logistical challenges.
They also continue to provide support to other Czech citizens in the region.
The Czech Republic expresses its solidarity with the victims of the earthquake and their
families and highly appreciates the extraordinary dedication of all Czech rescue workers, who
are representing the Czech Republic under demanding conditions while assisting the people
of Venezuela affected by this disaster.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
