PMI Expresses Condolences Over Venezuela Earthquake

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Chairman Jusuf Kalla has expressed deep condolences over the 7.5 magnitude earthquake disaster that struck Venezuela, claiming thousands of lives. Confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, Jusuf Kalla stated that the expression of sympathy represents a form of humanitarian empathy from the entire management and volunteer corps of PMI in Indonesia. He confirmed that the organisation has not dispatched logistical aid or personnel directly to the field due to geographical distance constraints deemed too far from the Southeast Asian region. Additionally, the high operational costs of shipping logistics to the South American region compared to the value of aid to be distributed to the disaster site was also a consideration for the institution. Nevertheless, the fulfilment of aid self-sufficiency in Venezuela is assured to remain optimal thanks to support from the national Red Cross society and developed countries in the surrounding regional area. “It is always like that there, the basis is regional. There are nearby countries like Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States that are on the front line to provide assistance,” said Jusuf Kalla. The former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia added that PMI’s mandate for overseas humanitarian operations has historically been prioritised for emergency response within the ASEAN region and the Asian continent. Previously, the Venezuelan Government officially declared a national state of emergency following the strong earthquake that hit the country on Wednesday (24/6). President of the National Assembly of Venezuela Jorge Rodriguez confirmed that as of Sunday (28/6), the death toll from the twin earthquakes had sharply increased to 1,450 people. In his official address, Rodriguez stated that 3,150 people were injured, 12,721 residents were displaced, and 774 buildings collapsed, with rescue operations now involving 25,000 joint personnel.