Israeli aid delegation arrives in Colombia to assist with post-quake rescue operations

An Israeli rescue team touched down in Cali, Colombia on Friday to aid recovery efforts following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation earlier in the week. Comprising 80 personnel, the delegation encompasses members from the IDF, Defense Ministry, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu green-lighted the mission on Wednesday at the request of newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Colombia has thus far sought assistance from four nations: the United States, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Israel.

Prior to the team's arrival, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dispatched a Foreign Ministry contingent to Cali to welcome the delegation and synchronize rescue initiatives. The mid-sized city, Colombia's third-largest and one of the most affected by the disaster, was hardest hit by the natural calamity. Ambassador to Guatemala and El Salvador Alon Lavi, alongside IDF rescue unit commander Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Yossi Pinto, immediately departed for Cali upon arrival to gauge the situation and survey relevant rescue sites.

Formally labeled the “Alliance of Friends,” the delegation is poised to commence humanitarian assistance in the hours following their landing. Colombian officials reported Friday morning that approximately 400 people remain unaccounted for nearly four days after the quake, which originated in the seismically vulnerable Chocó department on Colombia's Pacific coast.

The death toll currently stands at 285, with around 4,000 individuals injured. Israel's newly appointed ambassador to Colombia, Vivian Eisein, received authorization from Colombian authorities to join rescue operations and is anticipated to arrive in the country on Monday.