Israel sent two-and-a-half tons of medical supplies to the victims of the volcano eruption in Colombia and will send more supplies and a medical team if the Colombian authorities request it.
Colombian government officials reported that the number of dead and missing since the 16,200-foot volcano, Nevado del Ruiz, erupted last Wednesday night had risen to 21,569 in 14 towns. The government said that more than 19,000 people were homeless and some 2,450 had been injured. Meanwhile, thousands of people, fearing another eruption, have fled several towns near the volcano.
The first shipment of medical supplies from Israel was flown by EI AI to New York last night. The consignment was coordinated by the Magen David Adom, the Ministry of Health and the Foreign Ministry.
It consisted of 100 large packages of bandages, ointments and medication requested by the Colombian Red Cross after inquiries were made by the Israel Embassy in Bogota. EI AI carried the shipment free of charge. It will be flown from New York to the disaster area in Colombia.
The Foreign Ministry has allocated funds to purchase additional medicine and blankets for the survivor of the volcanic eruption.
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