A British search and rescue team has been dispatched to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have claimed nearly 1,000 lives.
The 68-strong contingent, comprising personnel from fire brigades across the UK, departed RAF Brize Norton Friday, accompanied by six specialist search dogs and humanitarian staff.
The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck Wednesday and were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, causing tremors felt throughout the wider region.
The death toll stood at 920 fatalities and 3,360 injuries late Friday, with officials warning that the numbers were expected to continue climbing.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, stating: "My thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this week’s devastating earthquakes. The UK stands in solidarity with all those affected, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods."
The specialist search and rescue operation is being provided by UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR), which acts on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in disaster responses.
In addition to the UKISAR team, Britain has also sent members of the UK Emergency Medical Team to prepare for a potential further medical deployment, alongside making £2 million in humanitarian funding available to assist with the disaster relief efforts.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office confirmed that all UK staff were safe and accounted for after the British embassy in Caracas sustained damage.
The embassy, located on the 11th floor of an office tower, has been closed, but alternative arrangements are now in place to support British nationals in the country.
The number of British citizens in Venezuela is understood to be in the low hundreds, with no reports of any Britons killed or injured.
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