First Lithuanian rescue team returns from Venezuela mission

One of two Lithuanian international rescue teams sent to earthquake-stricken Venezuela returned to Vilnius on Monday after completing search-and-rescue operations. Team leader Gediminas Šukšta told reporters that the constant heat was the mission's greatest enemy. "Plans changed constantly," he said. "We even joked that during the day, Plan A could become Plan B, C, or D, and sometimes there weren't enough letters." The tropical climate caused health issues and overheating, prompting the team to adjust their work schedule and use air-conditioned facilities for recovery. Rescue teams searched collapsed buildings for signs of life, working at eight locations and recovering seven bodies. A final overnight operation raised hopes of finding a survivor after search dogs and seismic equipment detected possible signs of life, but those were not confirmed. Šukšta noted that the destruction in Venezuela was more severe than what the team encountered in Turkey after the 2023 earthquakes, as buildings collapsed in a "pancake" manner, leaving little chance of survival. Two Lithuanian medical specialists remain in Venezuela to continue supporting the emergency medical mission. Acting Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič said Lithuania would consider sending another team if requested. The second Lithuanian rescue team is expected to return on Friday.