Qatar has launched a large-scale humanitarian airlift to Venezuela following two earthquakes that recently struck the country’s capital, Caracas, reaffirming the Gulf state’s longstanding commitment to supporting friendly nations during times of crisis.
Qatar was among the first countries to respond to the disaster, rapidly mobilising relief assistance under the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, the Amir held a telephone conversation with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, expressing Qatar’s solidarity with Venezuela and its people following the earthquakes that affected several parts of the country.
During the call, the Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to provide all necessary assistance to support relief and rescue operations and help mitigate the impact of the disaster.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez thanked the Amir for Qatar’s support and solidarity, describing the response as a reflection of the close friendship and co-operation between the two countries.
Acting on the Amir’s directives, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in co-operation with the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), launched a humanitarian air bridge consisting of six aircraft carrying emergency assistance to Venezuela.
The aid includes family tents, field hospitals and emergency shelter supplies intended to support displaced families, provide temporary accommodation and meet urgent humanitarian needs following the earthquakes.
The government said that the operation reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to people affected by crises and natural disasters and contributing to international emergency relief efforts.
The QRCS has also joined the emergency operation in co-ordination with Qatari authorities and international partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Its Information Management Centre activated emergency procedures immediately after reports emerged of the two earthquakes affecting northwestern and central Venezuela.
The organisation established communication channels with the Venezuelan Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to monitor humanitarian developments and co-ordinate the response.
The QRCS said humanitarian aid shipments, along with medical and relief teams deployed to Venezuela, continue to arrive as part of the Qatari humanitarian air bridge.
Qatar’s ambassador to Venezuela Salman bin Nabit al-Khulaifi said the initiative demonstrates Qatar’s leading humanitarian role and its continued commitment to assisting countries in need.
A team from the Syrian Civil Defence, along with a number of volunteers from the Qatar Volunteer Centre, also participated in search and rescue operations as part of the air bridge operated by Qatar.
The participation of the Syrian team came as part of the mission led by the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, extending the existing co-operation between the two sides in the fields of search and rescue and disaster response.
The QRCS also launched an urgent humanitarian campaign to mobilise the necessary community support to assist those affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, affiliated with the Internal Security Force Lekhwiya, successfully rescued a girl alive from beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Venezuela, eight days after the earthquake.
President Rodriguez awarded the “Heroes of Venezuela” medal to the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) in recognition of their efforts during rescue and relief operations.
The honour crowns the achievements of the Qatari team in relief missions, as it demonstrated a high level of professional competence, rapid response and commitment to humanitarian duty, providing a model of international co-operation in confronting disasters, reducing their impact and alleviating the suffering of those affected.
Official reports in Caracas said the death toll from the double earthquake had risen to more than 3,600, while the number of injured exceeded 16,700.
Relief teams confirmed that 6,462 people had been rescued alive in affected areas. – QNA
