The government of Puerto Rico is awaiting federal instructions on when to mobilize available resources to aid in search and rescue efforts for victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela. Secretary of Public Security Arturo Garfer stated that, unlike the response to the Jet Set disco collapse in the Dominican Republic last year, the US Department of State is now in charge of coordinating the US government's response.
The US Army's Southern Command will notify Puerto Rico of the resources to be mobilized. Puerto Rico has already sent information to be considered for potential deployment to Venezuela, with 45 rescue workers, 12 emergency management personnel, 33 firefighters, 10 paramedics, and a specialized doctor.
They also have 18,000 pounds of rescue and medical equipment ready for transport. Venezuelan authorities have reported 1,430 deaths, 3,238 injuries, and 3,142 affected families as of Saturday.