SDF-Trained Search Teams Deploy to Venezuela in Wake of Earthquakes

In the wake of the devastating pair of earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela, six SDF-trained teams from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (California Task Force 2) deployed as USA-2 alongside other international urban search and rescue teams to assist in locating survivors who may be trapped beneath rubble:

On the evening of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, a severe “seismic doublet” 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes shook northwestern and central Venezuela within minutes of each other, marking the most powerful earthquake activity the country has experienced in over a century.

Authorities quickly confirmed hundreds of fatalities and thousands injured, with tens of thousands reported missing. Widespread infrastructure failure left major cities, including the capital, Caracas, with severely disrupted power and communications, while the coastal state of La Guaira was declared a total disaster zone due to dozens of collapsed residential and commercial high-rises.

Following days of grueling, around-the-clock search operations amidst the unstable debris, our teams have successfully concluded their mission. After working tirelessly alongside their international counterparts to bring closure and hope to the affected communities, all six handlers and their canine partners arrived safely back on U.S. soil last night. Exhausted but proud, the teams were greeted with a warm and deeply emotional homecoming as they reunited with their loved ones, colleagues, and the SDF family.

We are profoundly grateful for the dedication, skill, and bravery displayed by these teams during this historic deployment. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives on the global stage embodies the very heart of our mission. Thank you for following their journey and for your continued support, which ensures these incredible rescue teams are always ready to answer the call, wherever and whenever disaster strikes. Welcome home, heroes!

As the situation on the ground remains critical, our thoughts are with the people of Venezuela and all the families affected by this immense tragedy. We wish all the rescuers safety, strength, and success as they work to bring hope and answers to those in need.