The Portuguese contingent responding to the earthquakes in Venezuela has arrived in the country, but without the 18 operatives prepared by the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The decision to limit the mission to the capacity of two Portuguese Air Force KC-390 aircraft has left a specialized search and rescue team grounded, causing significant displeasure within the Regional Government.
The Madeiran government is taking steps with national authorities to secure a third military flight, which would allow for the transport of the regional contingent to Venezuela. The objective is to ensure that the Madeiran operatives can join international rescue efforts while searches for survivors are still ongoing.
The Regional Government is deeply frustrated that Madeiran firefighters were not deployed alongside other elements of the Portuguese force. The Madeira team, comprising six members of the Regional Civil Protection Service, 11 firefighters, and a doctor from EMIR, was fully prepared to depart, having met all requirements for an international mission.
