Seven members and two search dogs from Burnaby's Urban Search and Rescue team departed early Saturday morning for Venezuela to aid in rescue and medical efforts following two devastating earthquakes.
Team composition and departure
The team, led by president Ryan Berry, includes full-time local first responders such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The two search K9s, named Pele and Reuben, accompany them. All members are volunteering their time.
Berry stated the team expects to be on the ground for about a week, though the timeline may shift based on conditions and needs. They flew into Venezuela early Saturday and plan to register with the on-site coordination centre, meet with incident command, and focus on search and rescue, medical aid, and assessing the hardest-hit areas.
Earthquake details and impact
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening. The quakes toppled buildings, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. By Friday afternoon, authorities reported nearly 3,400 injured and a death toll approaching 1,000 countrywide. More than 200 aftershocks have occurred, and thousands remain missing.
Partnership and deployment
Rather than joining other Metro Vancouver search and rescue teams, Burnaby first responders are deploying in partnership with international NGOs Sol Relief, Haiti Air Ambulance, and Airlink. They will also join other international K9 and USAR teams on the ground.
Berry noted the situation is fluid: "What we expect this morning may look different by this afternoon." Health care centres in Venezuela's coastal state of La Guaira are overwhelmed, with survivors suffering crush injuries and fractures after being pulled from collapsed buildings.
Community support and fundraising
Much of the team's work relies on charitable donations. Support can be provided at burnabyusar.ca. Meriely Arias, vice-president of the Venezuelan Canadian Society of B.C., said community members are still processing the disaster and have not yet planned a vigil. The society has launched a fundraising campaign and is collaborating with other Venezuelan organizations in Canada. "Our hearts are with everyone affected by this devastating earthquake in Venezuela," the society said in a news release.
