West Midlands firefighter speaks of devastation after Venezuela earthquake deployment
Paul Kitchen was one of seven WMFS staff members - as well as search dog Luna - who went over to help
A firefighter from West Midlands Fire Service has spoken of the devastation he witnessed after being deployed to Venezuela after two catastrophic earthquakes hit the country.
Thousands of people were killed after one 7.2 and one 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the north of the country near the capital city of Caracas.
Station Commander Paul Kitchen was one of seven staff member from West Midlands Fire Service who went to help the rescue and relief efforts.
As well as his day job, he is a member of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR).
Alongside the crew, Luna the search dog also went over to help.
"Describing the scenes can only be described as devastation and, in many ways, like a war zone," Paul said.
"Buildings were collapsed on top of residential areas and holiday areas."
The team were in Venezuela from June 27 until July 5 and conducted several missions, including building searches using specialist equipment and dogs, assessing humanitarian needs and supporting other search teams.
Paul described helping search for survivors through rubble of collapsed buildings and helping the international team of first responders who were on the ground.
West Midlands Fire Service's 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.
"I am equally grateful to everyone back at our Headquarters who supported the operation from the Incident Room.
"Their planning, coordination and round-the-clock logistical support played a vital role in our work throughout. 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."
Paul said despite what had happened to them, the people of Venezuela were incredible.
"The people of the country - of Venezuela - were absolutely amazing," He said.
"They were so warm and welcoming and glad for us to be there, offering us food and water at their most time of need."