Rescuers return from Venezuela quake zone
WMFSSeven West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) personnel have returned home from rescue efforts after the Venezuela earthquakes.
The group was deployed as part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) response to the disaster, in which more than 3,000 people have died.
Their mission included searching buildings with specialist equipment and dogs, and supporting humanitarian efforts and other search groups.
The team landed at Birmingham Airport on Sunday, where they were welcomed by the assistant chief fire officer Steve Ball.
WMFS also hosted a UK ISAR incident room at its headquarters in Birmingham to support the team on the ground.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill said: "I would like to thank every member of the UK ISAR team who took part in this deployment to Venezuela.
"Once again, they demonstrated the professionalism, compassion and resilience that our people are known for, working alongside international partners in incredibly challenging circumstances."
The service said it had been able to respond to the crisis because of "the extensive training, planning and preparation undertaken long before a team is mobilised".
This included specialist capabilities and equipment being kept up to date, ensuring personnel were ready to deploy at short notice, it added.
The chief officer said: "We are incredibly proud of everyone involved. While our personnel have now returned home, our focus turns to ensuring they receive the welfare and wellbeing support they need as they take time to recover from what has been a demanding deployment."
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