| Keywords | Description |
|---|---|
| Disaster Relief | Money, food, medicine and hands-on help sent to an area right after a major disaster (like an earthquake, flood or hurricane) to help people survive. |
| Search and Rescue (SAR) Dogs | Highly trained dogs that use their incredible sense of smell to find survivors trapped under rubble or lost in dangerous areas. |
| International Diplomacy | The way countries talk to, work with and build friendly relationships with each other. Sometimes this involves sending aid, and sometimes it involves symbolic gifts. |
Mexico has finished a major rescue mission in Venezuela following a powerful June 24 earthquake, proving that President Claudia Sheinbaum was right when she said that Mexico was ready to support the country in any way possible.
The 15-day mission was led by Mexico’s Yumare Group, which sent 264 rescue workers and 18 search and rescue dogs. The team rescued two survivors and recovered 92 bodies.
Mexico also sent more than 70 tons of disaster relief supplies, including 13 tons of medicine. Along with searching for survivors, the Yumare Group repaired eight power plants to help bring electricity back to the area.
Sheinbaum praised the team, saying the mission showed Mexico’s kindness, global cooperation and international diplomacy.
Mexico’s legacy of bravery and willingness to help
During a ceremony, Defense Minister Gen. Ricardo Trevilla thanked the rescue workers for their bravery and hard work. He noted that the team often worked 24-hour shifts in tough conditions.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, sent a thank-you letter and honored Sheinbaum with a special award.
As an extra thank-you, Venezuela gave Mexico three Belgian Malinois puppies. These dogs are famous for their intelligence and skills in rescue missions.
This gift continues a unique tradition. Last year, Turkey gave a puppy to Mexico after a Mexican rescue dog died while helping with earthquake recovery in Turkey and Syria.
Since 1996, Mexico has completed 98 humanitarian missions in 30 countries to help people in need.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Mission | Misión |
| Medicine | Medicina |
| Solidarity | Solidaridad |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think international cooperation is important during disasters?
- How do rescue dogs help in emergency situations?
- What qualities do you think are important for someone working in a rescue mission?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the role of the Yumare Group in the mission to Venezuela.
- What does Mexico’s continuous involvement in international aid say about the country?
