Caracas: As part of the State of Qatar's efforts to provide relief for those affected by the two devastating earthquakes that hit Venezuela recently, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched an emergency humanitarian response to the disaster , in cooperation with Qatari government authorities and the international Red Crescent and Red Cross organizations.
QRCS said in a statement today that, shortly after the magnitude 7.2 and magnitude 7.5 earthquakes struck northwestern and central Venezuela respectively, QRCS activated its Disaster Information Management Center (DIMC) to receive humanitarian situation updates and keep in touch with the Venezuelan Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
On board a relief aircraft of the Qatari airlift ordered by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, QRCS deployed a medical and relief aid shipment containing 24 tons of medications, medical supplies, and hygiene kits, as an immediate response to the emergency appeal issued by IFRC and UN agencies.
In addition to the Qatari International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), the aircraft transported a medical and relief delegation from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and QRCS, to take part in field relief efforts.
HMC sent anesthesiology, plastic surgery, and orthopedics specialists/consultants, while QRCS sent emergency medicine, general surgery, and orthopedics doctors, along with development projects, disaster response, and psychosocial support professionals.
Given the difficult conditions and large-scale destruction in the affected parts of Venezuela, QRCS launched a fundraising campaign to expand relief operations.
Assistant Secretary-General for Relief and International Development at QRCS Mohamed Bader Al Sada said "Inspired by Qatar's tradition of helping affected people in times of crisis, this charitable drive has been launched to intensify vital humanitarian aid, address the limited local resources in Venezuela, avoid growth of the death toll, and bring back hope and reassurance to the affected families and communities."
He called upon benevolent donors to support this noble endeavor, by donating via the website (https://qrcs.qa/R-Venezuela), mobile app (QRCS), donor service (66666364), home donation collection service (33998898), or donation agents/desks at malls and shopping centers.
"Thanks to the generosity of the people of Qatar, we will be able to provide the people of Venezuela with shelter, medical care, and relief supplies, saving the lives and alleviating the suffering of affected people. Together, let’s cherish the call of duty and humanity. With your contributions, we can extend a helping hand to those most in need," he concluded.
