PANAMA CITY, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced Friday that Panama has completed a first flight carrying 18 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Venezuela, and the country also prepares to send a specialized search and rescue team after earthquakes struck the South American country.

"Thanks to the Panamanian solidarity, donations are being collected and a first flight with 18 tonnes of aid has been completed," Mulino said in a post on X.

Requested supplies include nonperishable food, bottled water, personal hygiene items, basic medical supplies, flashlights, batteries and other emergency supplies for affected families.

In addition, Panama is preparing to deploy a specialized search and rescue team led by the national civil protection system, its director Omar Smith said.

Smith said the team includes about 60 specialized personnel and four trained dogs for search operations. He added that the contingent would have drones and thermal-capable equipment to help locate people, as well as personnel trained to handle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenarios.

According to local media, the operation will initially last seven days, though the search period could be extended depending on the situation in Venezuela. If necessary, a second aircraft carrying more rescue personnel will be coordinated. ■