- Venezuela thanks India for its earthquake relief mission.
- Indian Army field hospital continues treating survivors in Caracas.
- Twin earthquakes killed more than 1,700 people last month.
Venezuela has thanked India for its ongoing earthquake relief efforts, with foreign minister Yvan Gil visiting the Indian Army's field hospital in Caracas and acknowledging the support provided after last month's devastating earthquakes. The Indian field hospital in Venezuela, established as part of India's humanitarian mission, continues to provide emergency medical care to people affected by the disaster, which claimed more than 1,700 lives.
The hospital, set up by the Indian Army at the International La Rinconada Racetrack in Caracas, is one of the centrepieces of India's relief operation following the twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. The quakes were among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century and were felt across the region.
Relief mission gathers pace
During his visit on Saturday (4), Gil met Indian doctors and medical teams treating survivors at the field hospital. Indian Ambassador P K Ashok Babu accompanied him during the visit.
Expressing gratitude for India's assistance, Gil reportedly said the Venezuelan government and its people sincerely appreciated the support extended by India, particularly during one of the country's worst natural disasters in recent history.
The Indian Embassy in Caracas also said the Foreign Minister met medical personnel and members of the public receiving treatment, while acknowledging India's contribution to relief and recovery efforts, as quoted in a news report.
Aid beyond emergency treatment
India launched its relief operation, known locally as Operacion Amistad, by deploying two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying around 66 tonnes of humanitarian assistance.
The shipment included the Army field hospital, more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, along with two Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) Cubes—portable medical facilities designed to deliver emergency healthcare in disaster zones.
Indian rescue and medical teams have been working alongside Venezuelan authorities, providing emergency treatment while also supporting search and rescue operations in affected areas.
The relief mission remains active as Venezuela continues its recovery from one of the deadliest earthquakes in the country's recent history.
