Lithuania to Deploy Rescue and Medical Teams to Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela
Lithuania to Deploy Rescue and Medical Teams to Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela on Sunday
In response to the powerful earthquakes that struck the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and following the country's request for international assistance, Lithuania is deploying rescue and medical teams. The Government will formally approve the provision of international civil protection assistance on Sunday.
Following two powerful earthquakes (measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude), Venezuela has suffered extensive casualties and damage. Hundreds of people have been killed, thousands have been injured or reported missing, and many are believed to remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The international community is mobilizing search and rescue resources to save as many lives as possible.
Lithuania is sending two international assistance modules to Venezuela: the Lithuanian Emergency Response Team (LERT) and specialists from the Emergency Medical Team (EMT).
"When people are in distress, we cannot remain indifferent. Lithuania is contributing to the international relief mission by sending those who can help save lives. Our doctors and rescue personnel are undertaking an extremely important mission, and I sincerely thank each of them for their determination, professionalism, and dedication. This once again demonstrates that solidarity is more than just a word—it is measured by concrete actions," said Acting Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
The State Fire and Rescue Service's LERT consists of 20 firefighters and rescuers specializing in urban search and rescue operations, two canine handlers from the State Border Guard Service with their service dogs, and two emergency medical personnel.
Approximately six tonnes of specialized equipment and other essential resources have been prepared for the mission. Key equipment includes acoustic and seismic detectors, thermal imaging cameras, ground-penetrating radar, and search cameras for locating people trapped beneath rubble, as well as hydraulic and pneumatic rescue tools for extricating survivors.
The mission in Venezuela will also include two Belgian Malinois service dogs: four-year-old Ottalia, serving with the Vilnius Border Guard Unit, and six-year-old Harpija, serving with the Pagėgiai Border Guard Unit. In addition to their other capabilities, both dogs are trained in search and rescue operations and can locate missing persons, including those trapped beneath collapsed structures following disasters.
"When a natural disaster claims lives and leaves people trapped under rubble, rapid, professional, and coordinated assistance is paramount. That is why we are deploying our officers—firefighters, rescuers, and State Border Guard Service canine handlers—who are prepared to operate under the most challenging conditions and save lives. We are proud of the professionalism, experience, and commitment of Lithuania's officers to help those who need it most. This once again confirms that solidarity knows no borders in the face of disaster, and Lithuania stands ready to contribute to the international community's efforts to save lives," said Acting Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič.
The EMT consists of 20 specialists: 15 medical professionals from healthcare institutions across Lithuania and five logistics specialists from the Fire and Rescue Department. A humanitarian and medical aid shipment weighing approximately 20 tonnes will also be delivered to Venezuela.
Lithuania's Emergency Medical Team has been established in accordance with the World Health Organization's international standards to operate during emergencies both domestically and abroad. The team is capable of operating independently on a continuous basis, establishing a self-sufficient base camp, and functioning as a mobile clinic providing emergency medical care, patient triage, stabilization, diagnostics, and continuity of treatment.
"Lithuania is deploying a World Health Organization-certified team of medical professionals and logistics specialists that meets the highest international standards. We are prepared to respond rapidly, professionally, and wherever assistance is most critically needed. The invaluable experience our specialists gained while responding to the earthquake in Türkiye now enables us to provide international assistance at an entirely new level of quality. This mission once again demonstrates that Lithuania's healthcare system and its professionals possess the highest level of institutional preparedness, can mobilize immediately, and are capable of ensuring seamless and independent coordination in the most challenging global emergencies," said Acting Minister of Health Marija Jakubauskienė.
The rescue and medical teams will depart for Germany on Sunday. From there, they will be transported to Venezuela aboard German Air Force aircraft.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces will transport the personnel and equipment to Germany. The operation was significantly facilitated by the Minister of National Defence, who personally coordinated with German Defence Minister **Boris Pistorius** to arrange for the transportation of Lithuania's specialists aboard German Air Force aircraft alongside Germany's rescue teams.
"Lithuania is always prepared to contribute to international humanitarian operations when assistance is most urgently needed. I thank the German Minister of Defence for the close cooperation and solidarity shown. Our rescue personnel will deploy alongside the German team and will receive the necessary support. The Lithuanian Armed Forces will ensure the smooth transport of our specialists and their equipment so they can begin saving lives as quickly as possible," emphasized Acting Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
Additional resources are being allocated to support the teams, including food rations and other operational supplies.
International assistance to Venezuela is being coordinated through the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), ensuring the effective coordination of response efforts by participating countries.
Through its diplomatic missions and other state institutions, Lithuania is also continuing cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to strengthen joint search and rescue operations and emergency medical assistance.
The duration of the mission will depend on conditions in Venezuela, operational needs on the ground, and the development of the international response. Decisions regarding the length of deployment will be made based on security, humanitarian, and operational considerations.
The Lithuanian rescue and humanitarian assistance mission is coordinated by the National Crisis Management Centre of the Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
Last updated: 27-06-2026
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