Watch: Venezuelan earthquake survivors thank India for life-saving medical care

As Venezuela struggles to recover from one of the deadliest earthquakes in its history, survivors are thanking India for giving them a second chance at life. Patients treated at an Indian Army field hospital in Caracas have shared emotional accounts of life-saving surgeries and emergency care provided under India's humanitarian relief mission.

The messages of gratitude were shared by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X, where he posted videos of patients recovering after treatment at the Indian Army field hospital. The facility was established in the Venezuelan capital as part of India's humanitarian assistance following the powerful 7.2-and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck the country on June 24.

Sharing one of the videos, Jaiswal wrote: "A voice from Venezuela. Hear a young man recount his experience at the Army Field Hospital."

SURVIVOR THANKS INDIA AFTER SURGERY

In the video, survivor Yoe Garcia described how he was seriously injured during the earthquake in La Guaira before being rushed to the Indian Army field hospital for treatment.

"I came from the earthquake tragedy in La Guaira. Thanks to the Government of India, I underwent surgery on my arm after suffering two fractures and a fracture in my foot. Thanks to the Government of India, here I am, moving forward," Garcia said from his hospital bed.

The video showed him recovering after the operation as doctors continued to monitor his condition.

The MEA spokesperson shared another video highlighting the experience of patient's mother treated at the field hospital.

He posted the clip with the caption: "A mother's words of thanks. Hear the experience with the Army Field Hospital."

MOTHER PRAISES INDIAN MEDICAL TEAM

In the second video, Lizzet Rodrguez spoke about bringing her son, Anthony Aguilarte, to the Indian medical facility after he suffered a serious leg injury in the earthquake.

She said the doctors successfully treated his fractured femur and thanked the Indian team for its support during the disaster.

"My name is Lizzet Rodrguez, the mother of Anthony Aguilarte. I brought him here to the Indian medical team's field hospital because of a fractured femur, so that he could receive successful treatment from this outstanding team. I would like to thank the Government of India for providing support to the Venezuelan people during this tragedy that we are experiencing and thank you again to its wonderful team of doctors and interpreters," she said.

INDIA'S RELIEF MISSION CONTINUES

The Indian Army field hospital has been set up at the International La Rinconada Racetrack in Caracas under India's humanitarian mission, Operacion Amistad, launched after the powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24.

The temporary medical facility is providing emergency treatment, trauma care and surgeries for people injured in the disaster.

According to the Indian Embassy in Caracas, the mission includes mobile hospital units, specialist doctors, medicines, medical equipment and emergency relief supplies flown into Venezuela to support local authorities.

Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft transported 66 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including the field hospital, more than 35 tonnes of medicines and relief supplies, and two BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes. The mobile hospital units are designed to provide advanced emergency medical care in disaster zones.

VENEZUELAN MINISTER THANKS INDIA

The relief effort has also received praise from Venezuela's government.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil recently visited the Indian Army field hospital in Caracas, accompanied by Indian Ambassador PK Ashok Babu. During the visit, he met doctors, medical staff and patients receiving treatment.

According to the Indian Embassy, he thanked the Government of India for its swift humanitarian assistance following the earthquakes.

In a post on X, Gil said: "On behalf of the Bolivarian Government and the people of Venezuela, we express our most sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of India, especially to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for extending a helping hand to those who have suffered as a result of this calamity."

The Indian Embassy also said the minister interacted with members of the medical team and expressed appreciation for India's continued relief efforts.

DEADLIEST DISASTER IN DECADES

The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, were among the strongest ever recorded in Venezuela and were felt across neighbouring countries.

According to the latest figures released by Venezuela's Ministry of Communication and Information, the disaster has claimed at least 2,954 lives, while 16,592 people have been injured.

Although official assessments are still continuing, United Nations humanitarian updates estimate that up to 50,000 people remain unaccounted for, with rescue workers continuing to search collapsed buildings in the worst-hit areas.

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