US State Department: California & Virginia Rescue Teams Aid Venezuela Search & Rescue Mission

The U.S. is deploying search and rescue teams from California and Virginia to Venezuela amid ongoing humanitarian and recovery operations, according to a verified post from the U.S. Department of State on June 27, 2026. The teams—sent in response to a formal request from Venezuelan authorities—are assisting with flood and landslide response efforts following weeks of heavy rainfall that have displaced thousands and damaged critical infrastructure.

Why are U.S. teams in Venezuela now?
The deployment follows Venezuela’s declaration of a national emergency after record rainfall in June, which triggered deadly flash floods and landslides across 12 states. The National Civil Protection Agency of Venezuela (ANCP) reported at least 47 deaths and over 15,000 displaced as of June 26, with infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and water treatment plants—severely damaged. The U.S. State Department confirmed the teams’ arrival without specifying exact numbers, but sources familiar with the operation cite approximately 30 personnel from California’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 and Virginia’s Task Force 2, both federally certified for disaster response.

What will the teams do?
According to a statement from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the teams will focus on three priorities:

1. Search and rescue in high-risk zones, including mountainous regions where communications are limited.
2. Medical support, including mobile clinics and trauma care, in coordination with Venezuelan health authorities.
3. Damage assessment to identify critical needs for long-term recovery, particularly in Carabobo and Lara states, which were hardest hit.

The teams are operating under the U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) humanitarian assistance framework, which requires all activities to align with Venezuelan government requests. A SOUTHCOM spokesperson told News Directory 3 that the deployment does not involve U.S. military personnel but is led by civilian rescue experts with federal disaster response experience.

How does this compare to past U.S. disaster aid?
This marks the first major U.S. search and rescue deployment to Venezuela since 2019, when the U.S. provided emergency food aid and medical supplies during a humanitarian crisis linked to economic collapse. However, the current operation differs in scope: previous aid was primarily humanitarian, while today’s teams are focused on direct rescue and infrastructure assessment. In contrast, neighboring countries like Colombia and Brazil have already sent search and rescue teams, but their efforts have been limited to border regions due to logistical constraints.

What’s the timeline for recovery?
Venezuela’s ANCP estimates recovery efforts could take up to six months, with immediate needs including temporary housing, clean water access, and debris removal. The U.S. teams are expected to remain for at least two weeks, with a decision on extension pending further assessment. The State Department has not ruled out additional aid, including potential funding for reconstruction, but officials emphasize that any long-term support will depend on Venezuelan government cooperation and transparency in needs assessments.

Where can residents get help?
For those affected by the floods, the Venezuelan Red Cross is operating emergency shelters in Carabobo (Valencia) and Lara (Barquisimeto). The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has activated its emergency hotline (+58-212-975-6411) for Americans in the region, though it does not provide direct rescue services. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has launched a $12 million appeal for flood relief, with 30% of funds already allocated to medical and shelter programs.