CARACAS, Venezuela, June 29: India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, Operation Amistad, is in full swing in Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the northern part of the country, causing widespread destruction, heavy casualties, and thousands of injuries.
Providing an update on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a series of posts on X that Indian Army medical teams are delivering emergency healthcare and humanitarian assistance as Venezuela continues its recovery efforts.
Videos and messages shared by the ministry highlighted India’s relief operations, including the deployment of an Indian Army Field Hospital and medical teams providing treatment to those affected by the disaster.
In one video, a Venezuelan resident expressed gratitude for India’s support during the humanitarian crisis.
“I am truly grateful for the solidarity that emanates from all of us Venezuelans in these moments when we are in such need of humanitarian aid. Welcome, and thank you very much on behalf of all the Venezuelan people. A thousand thanks and blessings to all of you and your people,” she said.
The MEA also shared footage of Venezuela’s Vice Health Minister and Head of Government of the Capital District, Jacqueline Faria, visiting the Indian Army Field Hospital established under Operation Amistad.
During the visit, the Venezuelan official thanked India and other countries for extending assistance following the disaster.
“First of all, I’d like to express gratitude for all the solidarity. We are truly very grateful to all nations, and especially now to India. We receive with open arms all the aid, donations, and equipment. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and solidarity of all the countries that have come forward to help save lives and provide medical care through their teams of health specialists,” the minister said.
The official also acknowledged India’s global leadership in pharmaceutical production while expressing appreciation for the medical supplies delivered through the relief mission.
“India is a major producer of medicine. We are also very grateful for these shipments that help ensure the supply of medications for all those who have been injured. The transitional camps have also assisted families left homeless by this tragic disaster. This demonstrates the spirit of what we could call peace diplomacy, with countries coming together to ensure the best possible conditions for those affected,” the minister added.
The MEA also shared images of Indian Army doctors treating patients, stating, “Operation Amistad: Indian Army doctors taking care of people,” and added in another post that the Army Field Hospital is providing care to those impacted by the earthquakes.
India launched Operation Amistad as a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission in solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the powerful twin earthquakes that caused extensive loss of life, injuries, and widespread damage.
As part of the mission, a 41-member Indian contingent, comprising experienced rescue personnel and medical professionals, has been deployed to work alongside Venezuelan authorities in search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical care, and humanitarian relief.
The contingent also transported approximately six tons of medical supplies and humanitarian relief materials provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, along with a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.
The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed for disaster response and humanitarian operations. It consists of compact, self-contained medical modules that can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital capable of treating up to 200 patients. The system includes portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, power generation units, and oxygen support systems.
According to the latest update from Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, at least 1,450 people have died since last week’s earthquakes, while 3,150 others have been injured and at least 12,721 people have been displaced after losing their homes.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as the critical rescue window narrows, with operations hampered by persistent aftershocks and a shortage of heavy equipment.
Since the twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on Wednesday, the country has experienced numerous aftershocks and smaller tremors, further complicating rescue and relief efforts. (ANI)
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