Disaster Response

Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Venezuela After Devastating Twin Earthquakes

Strategic Response Partners deploys additional personnel as death toll climbs past 1,450

Venezuelan flag and rubble — Kristelinmind - stock.adobe.com

Strategic Response Partners (SRP) continues round-the-clock rescue operations in Venezuela following twin earthquakes on June 24—a magnitude 7.2 quake followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5—that have killed at least 1,450 people and displaced roughly 12,721.

"Every hour matters," said Steve Slepcevic, founder of SRP, from the disaster zone. "Teams are searching collapsed buildings where families are still hoping their loved ones will be found alive."

A 32-person SRP24 Urban Search & Rescue Paramedic Teams arrived June 28 and immediately deployed into the field. Beyond urban search and rescue, SRP24 is providing emergency medical assistance, delivering humanitarian aid and essential supplies, supporting emergency shelter operations, and providing heavy equipment and logistics support in areas where infrastructure has failed.

"Keeping this mission moving is incredibly expensive," Slepcevic said, citing medical flights, fuel, Starlink communications, heavy equipment and humanitarian supplies. He said donations help fund the deployment of trained Urban Search & Rescue personnel, specialized rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, clean water, transportation and other resources needed to sustain operations. The organization is asking for donations through its GiveSendGo campaign.

The international response is also growing. The United States has deployed specialized urban search-and-rescue personnel, including a 79-member rescue team with search dogs and approximately 70,000 pounds of equipment, while the U.S. Department of State has activated a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and announced $150 million in humanitarian assistance. China has pledged an additional $14.7 million in aid and satellite imagery to support damage assessments, while the European Union has committed $5.5 million in emergency funding and activated its Civil Protection Mechanism. Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Brazil, France and Spain have also deployed rescue personnel and humanitarian supplies.

For construction professionals, disaster recovery extends well beyond rescue. Heavy equipment operators, roofing contractors and building envelope specialists frequently assist with debris removal, temporary weatherproofing, structural stabilization and emergency repairs before permanent reconstruction begins.

SRP24 previously mobilized the roofing industry following Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica in 2025 through its Operation One Roof, One Love initiative, and the widespread destruction in Venezuela is expected to require years of rebuilding once lifesaving operations conclude.

SRP24 is also asking anyone with missing loved ones to email response@srp24.com with the person's name, last known location, photographs and any other identifying details so search teams can prioritize those locations.

This article was originally posted on www.roofingcontractor.com.

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Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Walls & Ceilings, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects construction professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She can be reached at kernt@bnpmedia.com.