Türkiye will send two military transport aircraft to Venezuela on Friday after two powerful earthquakes struck the Yaracuy region, authorities confirmed. Death in the deadly earthquakes exceeded 900 today.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) announced the humanitarian mission in an official statement. Authorities launched preparations immediately after receiving reports of the earthquakes.
AFAD coordinated the operation with the Foreign Ministry and the National Defence Ministry. Moreover, the Health Ministry and the Presidency’s Directorate General for Security Affairs also joined the planning process.
Following consultations with the Turkish General Staff, officials assigned an A-400M military transport aircraft for the mission. The aircraft will transport a 38-member AFAD search and rescue and humanitarian aid team.
The personnel will depart from Istanbul, Izmir and Denizli. In addition, the aircraft will carry essential rescue equipment and emergency supplies.
AFAD said the mission includes a five-member National Medical Rescue Team. Furthermore, a two-member Turkish Red Crescent humanitarian aid team will also travel to Venezuela.
The aircraft will transport two trained search dogs. It will also carry three fully equipped search and rescue vehicles to support field operations.
Meanwhile, the National Defence Ministry approved the deployment of a second A-400M military transport aircraft. The aircraft will carry a 22-member Humanitarian Aid Brigade team along with operational equipment.
According to AFAD, both aircraft will depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport at 11:15 a.m. local time on Friday. The scheduled departure corresponds to 0815 GMT.
Turkish authorities expect the teams to begin operations immediately after arriving in Venezuela. Consequently, they will assist local emergency responders in rescue and humanitarian activities.
AFAD said it continues monitoring developments closely with the Foreign Ministry. It also remains in constant coordination with the Turkish Embassy in Venezuela to assess needs and support ongoing relief efforts.
