India has launched a major humanitarian mission to support earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, dispatching military aircraft loaded with relief supplies, medical equipment and rescue personnel as the South American nation grapples with one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent history.

Indian Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda, Vijay Tewani, said the Government of India activated ‘Operation Amistad’ in response to the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday.

According to Tewani, two large Indian military aircraft have been deployed carrying tonnes of emergency relief supplies, a fully equipped field hospital and specialised search and rescue teams to assist authorities in ongoing recovery operations.

The assistance comes as Venezuela continues to battle the aftermath of the powerful magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which have claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people and left thousands more injured and displaced.

Tewani said India’s rapid response demonstrates the country’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance whenever disaster strikes.
“This proves that India stands with the world in times of crisis,” he said.

International rescue teams from several countries have joined thousands of Venezuelan emergency workers in search and recovery operations, while humanitarian agencies continue delivering food, medical supplies and emergency shelter to affected communities.

Operation Amistad adds to the growing international relief effort aimed at supporting Venezuela as it begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding following the devastating earthquakes.