Members of the Henry Reeve International Brigade, along with a team of Cuban rescue and salvage experts and engineers, are preparing to return to Cuba after weeks of intensive work in Venezuela. They were actively involved in rescue efforts and providing support to those affected by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
Before their departure, these specialists were honored in Caracas with the April 16 Medal—an award given by the Cuban Medical Brigade's leadership in Venezuela—and the Venezuela-Cuba Friendship Award. This recognition was organized by the Cuban Embassy in Venezuela and the National Working Group as a display of bilateral solidarity, according to the official Canal Caribe.
One rescuer, interviewed in Caracas, described the severity of the situation: "An extremely catastrophic event, a disaster unlike anything we've seen in Cuba, an experience we will bring back to share with firefighters and rescuers in our homeland."
Another specialist appreciated the acknowledgment: "Overall, I believe this recognition is very meaningful for us both scientifically and spiritually."
The Impact of the Venezuelan Earthquakes
The seismic events on June 24 were among the most devastating natural disasters in Venezuela's recent history. The twin earthquakes—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes and occurring just 39 seconds apart—had epicenters along the San Felipe–Yumare–Montalbán axis in the states of Yaracuy and Carabobo. La Guaira was declared a disaster zone, with the international GDACS issuing a Red Alert, estimating that 2.4 million people experienced severe shaking. Official reports indicated over 5,300 deaths and more than 16,700 injuries.
Cuba's Swift Response
Cuba acted swiftly. An initial group of 13 specialists arrived in Venezuela on June 28, accompanied by three trained dogs—Tito, Eva, and Choco—to locate people trapped under debris. A second team of rescuers, surgeons, and forensic experts arrived on June 29 at the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, Carabobo, bringing over seven tons of specialized equipment.
On July 4, the Venezuelan government awarded 478 specialists from 12 nations, including the Cuban team. The working dogs received the "Canine Heroes of Venezuela" distinction.
Historical Cuba-Venezuela Cooperation
This mission is part of the longstanding Cuba-Venezuela cooperation that began in 2003, involving more than 165,000 Cuban healthcare professionals. In 2026, the Cuban medical mission maintains over 12,000 collaborators across Venezuela's 24 states, despite increased pressure from Washington that has led to a withdrawal of Cuban missions abroad since Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in January 2026.
Despite these challenges, the Cuban medical team already in Venezuela quickly mobilized after the earthquakes to assist the injured at integrated diagnostic centers in La Guaira, as reported in late June.
As these specialists return to the island, they do so, according to Canal Caribe, "with the satisfaction of fulfilling their duty" and carrying with them an unparalleled experience in extreme rescue conditions, unprecedented in the recent history of Cuban brigades.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Rescue Mission in Venezuela
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes in Venezuela had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring just 39 seconds apart.
How many Cuban specialists were involved in the rescue efforts?
An initial group of 13 Cuban specialists arrived, followed by additional rescuers, surgeons, and forensic experts, all contributing to the rescue efforts.
What awards did the Cuban team receive for their efforts?
The Cuban team received the April 16 Medal and the Venezuela-Cuba Friendship Award for their contributions during the emergency.
What role did the trained dogs play in the rescue operations?
The trained dogs, Tito, Eva, and Choco, were crucial in locating people trapped under debris during the rescue operations.