Israel Leads Major Rescue Effort in Colombia After Devastating Earthquake

Following a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia about a week ago, Israel has deployed its largest rescue delegation among all international teams to assist in the disaster response. The Israeli Home Front Command team is operating primarily in Cali, Colombia's third-largest city with over two million residents, where multiple major destruction sites have been identified. The delegation arrived 96 hours after the earthquake and is actively engaged in search and rescue operations at three of the five worst-affected locations in the city, focusing on locating survivors trapped under rubble.

This mission follows Israel’s recent deployment to Venezuela after a similar earthquake, providing valuable experience that is now aiding efforts in Colombia. The Israeli team is collaborating closely with local authorities and Colombian government ministers, reflecting strong bilateral cooperation. Colombia has expressed its gratitude to Israel for the significant assistance provided during this crisis, which also marks a renewal of relations under Colombia's new president.

The ongoing rescue efforts highlight Israel's commitment to international humanitarian aid and its capability to lead complex emergency operations abroad. The Israeli delegation's presence and coordination with Colombian officials underscore the importance of global partnerships in disaster response and recovery.