IDF helps Colombians find sufficiently safe homes, delegation deputy head tells 'Post' - exclusive
IDF officials told the Post that the disaster management and evaluation systems are designed to intake, track, and analyze damaged structures, especially in Cali, where most IDF efforts have focused.
The IDF recently helped thousands of Colombians return to partially damaged hospitals, schools, and other structures after a devastating earthquake on August 10, according to Colombian delegation deputy chief IDF Col. Ehud Moyal in an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post. Moyal explained that several hundred buildings were deemed stable, while many others still required evaluation.
The Israeli delegation provided advanced technology systems to assist in mapping, demolition, and reconstruction efforts across Colombia.
The Colombian delegation, which consisted of over 80 staffers and engineers, with a significant portion focused on rescue attempts, worked mainly in Cali, a city of over 2.3 million people, for nearly two weeks after the disaster. The IDF's efforts initially involved rescuing any survivors, followed by assessing the stability of damaged buildings and conducting a thorough search for any remaining victims, including the use of drones in certain cases.
After the last remaining missing person was found, the IDF delegation concluded its mission, staying longer than other delegations in Israel. The deputy chief noted the warm reception he received in Cali, including emotional gratitude from the mayor and hospital staff. He also visited a local Jewish synagogue, where they held an emotional ceremony attended by hundreds of families and expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, and the IDF rescue and home front teams.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
