Indian Army Rescues 79-Year-Old Woman from Rubble in Venezuela

The Indian Army on Wednesday saved a 79-year-old woman, who was pulled out from rubble of a house in serious condition nearly a week after the deadly twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, by providing her urgent medical care. India has installed a field hospital in Venezuela capital Caracas to provide medical aid and humanitarian assistance to quake survivors under Operation Amistad. Indian Army set up the field hospital in Caracas on June 28 soon after reaching the quake-affected region with medical supplies and relief material. The woman, whose house was damaged in twin earthquakes, was shifted to the field hospital on June 29. Sharing images, the Indian Army, in a post on X on Wednesday, said, “OperationAmistad: A Lifeline Amidst the Rubble. The Indian Army Field Hospital continues to serve as a beacon of hope, delivering compassionate medical care to those affected. For a 79-year-old survivor, being rescued from the collapsed building marked only the beginning of her ordeal.” Giving details, the Army post said: “Trapped beneath the debris with a fractured leg and suffering from peripheral arterial disease, delayed access to medical care led to a severe arterial ulcer and intense pain. The medical team stabilised her fracture, initiated advanced wound care and established daily follow-up treatment, providing not only specialised medical support but also renewed hope for recovery. ” After the medical care, the woman said, “Yes, I am feeling much better now.” Citizens of Venezuela extended their gratitude to India for its relief operations and medical assistance. While one family “thanked India for receiving care at the Army Field Hospital”, a woman survivor “particularly mentioned the excellent care received and appreciated the service of medical specialists”, MEA posts said on X. Another quake victim said, “I am deeply grateful to the Indian Army. I haven’t seen such medical attention in my 60 years”. Under Operation Amistad, India has already dispatched 66 tonnes of humanitarian and medical aid via two IAF’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft, which flew over 14,000 km from Delhi to Caracas to supply the relief material. A 41-member elite medical contingent from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital is already operational in Caracas, offering 24/7 emergency healthcare, trauma care and surgeries. The medical contingent included nine medical officers, surgeons, anaesthetists, and dental and orthopaedic specialists. Two BHISHM cubes have also been sent. A BHISM cube is an indigenous, AI-enabled modular emergency hospital unit from the Aarogya Maitri Project. Each 72-part cube can be deployed in 12 minutes and features mini operation theatres, ventilators and independent oxygen plants to treat up to 200 trauma victims.