The Swiss Rescue Chain was deployed in Venezuela with 80 members and eight REDOG search and rescue dog teams. Their task was to locate earthquake victims in the rubble, recover them and rescue them. On 2 July 2026, they returned home.

 

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Thursday, 2 July 2026

After a week of tireless deployment in the earthquake zone in Venezuela, the rescue teams of the Swiss Rescue Chain – and with them the REDOG search and rescue dog teams – have returned to Switzerland.

The Swiss Rescue Chain was one of the first European humanitarian organisations on the ground. A team of 80 specialists with eight search dogs and 18 tonnes of rescue equipment travelled to Venezuela.

REDOG supported the search for earthquake survivors in Venezuela with eight dog teams, two technical search specialists and four Head Search. They worked in shifts around the clock in intense heat and high humidity to locate people in the rubble. Unfortunately, they were unable to rescue any survivors.

Deployments are a major challenge for the dogs

In this earthquake of incredible magnitude, thousands of people were reported missing. A very large number of victims who did not survive lie beneath the rubble. The dogs must use their highly sensitive noses to search for the scent of living people amid extremely demanding conditions in the rubble, in great heat and surrounded by a vast array of odours.

"This work is very demanding," explains Linda Hornisberger, Central President of REDOG. "Regular rotation of the dogs is essential. In our structure, where at least two dogs are always part of a team, the dogs are also able to rest regularly."

The decision to end the mission after one week was carefully considered. Fresh new teams, including dogs, have been arriving on site continuously. They are continuing the search operations.

 

Sunday, 28 June 2026

The REDOG search dog teams are tirelessly searching for earthquake survivors in Venezuela. Rescue operations are continuing around the clock. Even though, after 4 days, it is unfortunately becoming increasingly unlikely that survivors will be found under the rubble.

 

Friday, 26 June 2026

The Swiss Rescue Chain arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The Swiss Rescue Chain team consists of 80 specialists, including 22 members of the Swiss Armed Forces. With their expertise in urban search and rescue, they are able to contribute to the ongoing rescue operation by locating and rescuing people trapped beneath the rubble.

Shortly after their arrival just before noon Swiss time, the Swiss Rescue Chain immediately began preparations for their deployment in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. Search operations began on Friday evening. The locations for the operations are being determined in close cooperation with the local authorities.

Il campo base è situato nella città di La Guaira, nel nord del Venezuela, sulla costa.

 

Thursday, 27 June 2026

Switzerland has offered its support to the Venezuelan authorities after they issued an international call for aid. The Venezuelan authorities have accepted and expressly welcomed Switzerland’s offer of assistance.

The Swiss Rescue Chain’s mission is now being carried out: A team of 80 specialists with eight search dogs and 18 tons of rescue material is traveling to Venezuela.

REDOG is supporting the search for earthquake survivors in Venezuela with eight dog teams and four team leaders. Two technical search specialists are also part of the group.

The flight departs Friday morning at 2:00 a.m. from Zurich.

 

What happened

Wednesday evening, 24 June 2026

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. They caused massive destruction and triggered a nationwide state of emergency. Rescue teams are searching for people trapped under rubble.

International assistance was pledged, including from the USA and several Latin American countries. Switzerland also signalled its willingness to help.

The earthquakes in Venezuela were measurable as far away as Switzerland. The seismometers of the Swiss Seismological Service clearly registered the tremors.

 

Photos airport Zurich: © Max Strässle