FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — Boots are on the ground in Venezuela after two earthquakes rocked the country, leaving more than 1,000 people dead and homes destroyed.
In response, multiple organizations in Virginia have mobilized to send resources and relief.
Area organizations deploy teams to Venezuela for earthquake relief
In Fairfax County, the Virginia Task Force 1 was activated on Thursday, mobilizing a nearly 80-person crew and six dogs to help with search and rescue. The crew departed with about 70,000 pounds of equipment.
“We are honored to represent the US, bringing our expertise, compassion, & unwavering dedication to those affected,” wrote VA-TF1 in a post on X.
Virginia Task Force 1 landed in Venezuela Friday and began working with the country’s authorities. In a Saturday morning update, the task force reported that it has been working around the clock and inspecting multiple structures for any potential survivors.
On Wednesday, June 24, two earthquakes struck Venezuela. The back-to-back earthquakes occurred about 39 seconds apart and measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, according to AP…