Florida Urban Search and Rescue teams have returned home after a weeklong deployment to support earthquake response operations in Venezuela.
Florida Task Force One (FL-TF1) and Florida Task Force Two (FL-TF2) were deployed under the U.S. Department of State following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela in late June. The specialist Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams assisted local responders and international partners with search-and-rescue operations in affected communities.
During the mission, crews carried out technical searches, structural assessments, rescue operations, and other specialist tasks in support of the wider humanitarian response. The teams brought expertise in operating around damaged and collapsed structures, working alongside Venezuelan US&R personnel and other international response organizations.
The deployment carried particular significance for many responders because South Florida is home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities outside Venezuela. Several team members have personal, cultural, or family ties to the region, adding an emotional dimension to the response.
Family members, colleagues, and community supporters welcomed the teams back to Miami following the completion of their deployment.
