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Madeira Demands Third Flight for Firefighters to Aid Venezuela After Earthquakes

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
June 28, 2026
3 min read

The Regional Government of Madeira is urging for a third flight to deploy firefighters to Venezuela after they were left behind due to limited transport capacity.

In the wake of devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, the Portuguese response includes a contingent already on the ground, but notably without the participation of the skilled firefighting team from Madeira. The Regional Government of Madeira has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the exclusion of its 18-member team, trained specifically for search and rescue operations.

The decision to exclude the Madeiran firefighters arose due to the constraints of the two KC-390 aircraft, which were tasked with transporting the Portuguese response team. These aircraft were unable to accommodate the additional personnel from Madeira, despite their preparedness and specialized training.

The situation has prompted the Regional Government to call for a third flight, emphasizing the importance of including their team in the international rescue efforts. This insistence reflects the island's commitment to contributing to global humanitarian missions, particularly in light of their team's expertise in handling natural disasters.

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is renowned for its rapid response capabilities and has a history of assisting in international crises. The current predicament has sparked a discussion about resource allocation and logistical planning in emergency responses.

Local officials argue that the inclusion of the Madeira team would enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the rescue operations in Venezuela. They stress that the specialized skills of their firefighters are crucial in such dire circumstances.

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