Volunteer firefighters from Rio Grande do Sul return after mission in earthquake zone in Venezuela Volunteer firefighters from Rio Grande do Sul who participated in the search for victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela returned to Rio Grande do Sul this Saturday (11). After a week of work in the Caracas region, the group disembarked in the morning at Salgado Filho International Airport, in Porto Alegre and reported what they saw in the neighboring country. "We noticed in people's eyes something very similar to what we saw in 2023 and 2024 in our state [during the flood period]. A look of sadness, of lack of hope for not knowing how to start over. They don't know what the next day will be like or what it will be like from now on", said Anderson Jociel da Rosa, commander of the RS Volunteer Fire Department. ? Access the g1 RS channel on WhatsApp Family members followed the arrival of the volunteers. Anderson's sister awaited the reunion with a sign and reported her expectations during the days of the mission. "Since the day he left, we've been anxious. We talk every day, trying to calm his heart a little, saying that we miss him and that, regardless of everything he's going through, we're here," said Daniela Duarte Leonel. The flight departed Caracas at 7pm on Friday and landed around 6:40am this Saturday in Porto Alegre. For family and friends, the wait for his return was marked by anxiety. “My heart was heavy”, says lawyer Isabela Batistiani, wife of firefighter Marcelo Bidone. During the mission, firefighters transported medicines, first aid materials and equipment used to search rubble areas. They also took the experience gained during the floods that hit Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. Volunteers from Rio Grande do Sul embarked for Venezuela a week ago to help search for victims of the earthquakes that hit the north of the country at the end of June. According to the team's report, the tremors left a trail of destruction, with more than 4,100 dead and almost 17,000 injured. For Anderson, the operation was the most impactful in the group's history. "Due to the destruction, the chaos, the number of deaths and the entire scenario we encountered, it was the most remarkable performance for us. We certainly saw many things that photos, images and videos cannot demonstrate. This is the reality that is there", he said. Anderson Jociel da Rosa, commander of the RS Volunteer Fire Department, worked in rescues in Venezuela Reproduction/RBS TV VIDEOS: Everything about RS