First Aruban Humanitarian Response Team Arrives in Venezuela

The Coast Guard's Dash 8 aircraft landed at Maiquetía International Airport carrying the 11 volunteers who will participate in the first phase of the humanitarian mission. Upon arrival, the Aruban delegation was welcomed by a representative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Caracas. Representatives of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN agency responsible for coordinating humanitarian assistance during emergencies and disasters, were also present to receive the team and integrate it into the international coordination of the relief operation.

After several days of intensive preparation and coordination, the team began its mission with the objective of providing medical care and support to those affected by last Wednesday's devastating earthquake. The first group consists of professionals and volunteers with extensive experience in disaster response, including specialists from Aruba's Crisis Management Office (CMO) and the Aruba Red Cross.

During this initial phase, the team will assess conditions on the ground, establish the necessary logistical support, and provide emergency medical assistance. The information gathered will serve as the foundation for the next medical team that the Government of Aruba will deploy to Venezuela in the coming days.

In preparation for the mission, the Government of Aruba worked closely with the Crisis Management Office (CMO), the Aruba Red Cross, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Caracas, and various international partners to ensure that assistance could be delivered swiftly and effectively.

The Government of Aruba emphasizes that the arrival of the first team marks only the beginning of its humanitarian response. Additional assistance is already being prepared for deployment in the coming days. A second medical team, along with additional relief supplies and support resources, will be mobilized based on the needs identified by the first team on the ground. Aruba remains committed to contributing to the international humanitarian response in a coordinated and effective manner.

Prime Minister Mike Eman expressed his appreciation to all the professionals and volunteers who have accepted the responsibility of representing Aruba during this time of great need for the Venezuelan people.

"Aruba shares a long-standing historical and humanitarian bond with Venezuela. In times of hardship such as these, it is our duty to assist wherever we can. We are proud of the professionals and volunteers who are representing our country with dedication, compassion, and the highest level of preparedness."

The Government of Aruba wishes the 11 members of the first response team every success in carrying out their mission and will continue to closely monitor developments in coordination with the competent authorities and international organizations involved in the humanitarian operation.