Venezuela awards Dominican Republic highest humanitarian honor for earthquake relief

Santo Domingo.- The Government of Venezuela has awarded the Dominican Republic the First Class Order of Hero of Venezuela, the country’s highest distinction for humanitarian service, in recognition of its emergency response following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation on June 24.

In a letter addressed to President Luis Abinader, acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked the Dominican government for its prompt and generous assistance, describing the mission as a demonstration of the friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the two countries.

The recognition was announced during a ceremony at the National Palace, where President Abinader awarded the Ministry of Defense’s Medal of Merit, Green Distinction for the Value of Solidarity, to members of the Dominican rescue team who participated in Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026.

Abinader praised the rescuers for their professionalism, courage, and commitment, calling them “Dominican heroes” who represented the country with honor while carrying out search-and-rescue operations, assisting victims, and supporting local authorities in the disaster zone.

The Dominican contingent included members of the Armed Forces, the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Civil Defense, and the Ministry of Defense’s Specialized Emergency and Disaster Mitigation Corps (CEMED), an elite search-and-rescue unit.

The government said Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026 demonstrated the Dominican Republic’s commitment to international humanitarian cooperation by rapidly deploying personnel, equipment, and logistical support to assist Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes.