India has initiated 'Operation Amistad' to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Friday that two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft departed for Venezuela carrying a field hospital unit and more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies.
Details of the Relief Mission
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Operation Amistad underway! Two @IAF_MCC C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts." The mission includes an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid, comprising medicines, medical equipment, and two BHISHM Cubes designed for rapid emergency medical support in disasters. Jaishankar added, "The assistance contains an Indian Army @adgpi Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cubes."
India's Commitment to Humanitarian Aid
Reaffirming India's dedication to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the External Affairs Minister said, "India is committed to support the Government and people of Venezuela in this difficult time." This operation follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expression of deep sorrow over the earthquake devastation and his pledge to extend all possible assistance. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance."
Venezuela's Response and Casualty Figures
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his messages of condolence and offers of support. Meanwhile, the death toll from the double earthquakes has risen to 235, with 4,300 people injured, according to health minister Carlos Alvarado. Speaking on state television, Alvarado noted that while most injuries are minor, many serious cases require surgical intervention. He reported that some fatalities were declared upon arrival at hospitals, while others showed no vital signs previously, as per CNN. Alvarado stated, "As of 7:00 PM today, we have already attended to more than 4,300 injured people, some minor, most minor, but there are also moderate and serious cases. Many of them have required surgical interventions, and unfortunately, we have received around 235 patients who arrived without vital signs or who died upon arrival at our health facilities."
International Relief Efforts
The United States has also assigned military forces to support relief efforts in Venezuela. Acting at the direction of the US Department of State, the Southern Command has deployed C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft for a major humanitarian airlift operation. This deployment aims to provide immediate, high-capacity support to areas hardest hit by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors, which have caused widespread structural collapse, significant casualties, and critical infrastructure damage across the nation.
