Loading emergency supplies onto the ship
WILLEMSTAD--The Royal Netherlands Navy has completed its humanitarian relief mission to Venezuela following the recent earthquakes that devastated parts of the country. According to the Ministry of Defence, the vessel HNLMS Groningen, stationed in the Caribbean, delivered tens of thousands of kilogrammes of food, drinking water and medical supplies during a week-and-a-half-long operation.
The aid effort focused primarily on the severely affected coastal city of La Guaira. In addition to transporting food and medical supplies, the ship's NH90 helicopter and high-speed FRISC rigid-hull inflatable boats were used to reach remote communities where access was limited, and humanitarian needs were greatest.
The mission was carried out in close cooperation with Venezuelan authorities, the United Nations (UN). The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard's Dash 8 patrol aircraft also played an important role by transporting members of the Urban Search and Rescue USAR team to assist in the emergency response.
From Curaçao's Hato airport, personnel from the Royal Netherlands Army and Air Force supported the operation, while Dutch Marines worked alongside US military units that were also providing humanitarian assistance from Curaçao.
Commander Alex Arriëns Dwarshuis said that a rapid response in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes was essential to delivering life-saving assistance. As international humanitarian organisations continue to expand their relief efforts on the ground, the Dutch military is now scaling back its involvement.
Although the humanitarian mission has concluded, the Royal Netherlands Navy remains on standby should the Venezuelan government request additional assistance.
