After the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, India started Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission under ‘Operation Amistad’. On the morning of 26 June, two C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force left for Venezuela carrying relief material and rescue teams. Under the operation, a 41-member Indian relief and medical team has also been sent, which includes experienced rescue workers and medical experts. India has sent 30 tons of relief material to Venezuela. Apart from this, 6 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment are also included in the relief material.
Self-supporting field hospital units of the Indian Army have been deployed with HADR equipment and medicines. 2 ‘BHISHM Cube’ portable hospitals have also been sent in the relief operation, which are capable of providing immediate medical facilities in disaster affected areas. Actually, BHISHM Cube is a rapidly deployable modular field hospital, which is equipped with advanced trauma care, emergency surgery and ICU facilities for up to 200 patients. With its help, the Indian team will conduct search and rescue operations, emergency medical services and humanitarian relief work in collaboration with Venezuelan authorities.
More help will be given to Venezuela if needed
The Government of India has expressed deep condolences to those who lost their lives in the earthquake and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. India has said that in this difficult time it stands strongly with the Venezuelan government and its people. India has also made it clear that additional assistance will be provided to Venezuela if needed.
India in the role of ‘first responder’
Through ‘Operation Amistad’, India has once again strengthened its role as ‘first responder’ and ‘reliable partner in providing humanitarian assistance’. This campaign also reflects India’s global HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) capacity and policy of providing rapid relief.
235 people died due to earthquake
The death toll from the earthquake in this South American country has increased to 235, while 4,300 people have been injured. Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado has given this information. According to CNN report, the minister said in an interview, ‘We have treated more than 4,300 injured, some of whom are slightly injured, most are moderately injured, but some cases are also moderate and serious’.
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