Urban search and rescue teams from Miami-Dade County and their six K-9s are on the ground in La Guaira, Venezuela, one of the hardest-hit areas in the country, to try to save lives after two devastating earthquakes.
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Eighty members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 arrived in Venezuela on Saturday, according to the U.S. Department of State and fire rescue.
“The mission is complex but clear. It’s driven by the possibility that a life can still be saved. That thousands of families are waiting for answers about the fate of their loved ones,” officials said on social media.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue called the mission “deeply personal” for many of their personnel, who as Spanish speakers “are able to communicate directly with the people they encounter offering not only life-saving expertise, but also reassurance, comfort, and compassion in their own language.”
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) is on the ground in Playa Grande, La Guaira, Venezuela, standing alongside a community forever changed by the devastating earthquakes.
The mission is complex but clear. It’s driven by the possibility that a life can still be… pic.twitter.com/u8NxodanHd
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) June 28, 2026
“In moments of unimaginable loss and uncertainty, a familiar voice, a few words of encouragement, or simply being understood can provide a measure of hope that extends far beyond the rescue itself,” the post reads.
Read more Rescuers, K-9s from Miami-Dade search for survivors in Venezuela after earthquakes
Meanwhile, four-legged members of the crew search the rubble in Playa Grande for signs of life.
“Our canine search teams are among the most vital members of this mission. Guided by their handlers, these remarkable dogs use their extraordinary sense of smell to detect the scent of people trapped beneath the rubble, helping our rescue teams search quickly, safely, and with incredible precision,” fire rescue said.
Crews from South Florida are working with the U.S. Department of State and international partners for the mission.
“This is what our team has trained for. But no amount of training can prepare you for the emotion of walking into a community devastated by disaster,” their note goes on. “In the days ahead, they will continue this mission with compassion, and determination… Please keep our team, every other first responder, and the people of Venezuela in your thoughts as this mission continues.”