June 25, 2026, 11:57 amJune 25, 2026, 11:57 am
Following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, Switzerland offered its support to the Venezuelan authorities after they launched an international appeal for help. The Federal Council’s delegate for humanitarian aid within the SDC has mobilized the Swiss rescue chain with 80 members and eight search dogs as well as 18 tons of rescue material.
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) announced this on Thursday at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency. The mission of the Swiss rescue chain is to search for, rescue and rescue earthquake victims in the rubble.
No Swiss victims known
As the EDA further announced, Venezuelan airspace is closed to most European airlines and clarifications are currently underway to organize a flight as quickly as possible to transport the Swiss rescue workers and their equipment.
The Federal Council’s thoughts are with the victims, their families and the entire affected population. The Swiss embassy is in contact with the responsible authorities in Venezuela. “The FDFA currently has no information about Swiss victims,” the FDFA continued. Corresponding clarifications are underway.
Swiss embassy closed
There are currently five Swiss travelers registered on Travel Admin. Around 1,000 people are registered in the Swiss Abroad Register. According to the statement, the Swiss embassy staff are doing well. The embassy will remain closed on Thursday for security reasons, but will be operational.
Swiss nationals on site are required to follow the instructions of the local authorities. In urgent cases, the EDA Helpline can be contacted around the clock. The FDFA’s travel advice has long advised against tourist and other non-urgent trips to Venezuela. (sda)