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Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s sympathies to Guatemala and offered further aid after a devastating volcano eruption devastated the country.
By: United with Israel Staff
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday spoke with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales the in wake of the volcano disaster that devastated his country, which has killed at least 75 people, leaving another 192 missing and reducing a once verdant area to a moonscape of ash.
Netanyahu conveyed his condolences, as well as those of the Israeli people, and offered “medical and logistical assistance from Israel,” a press release from his office said.
Netanyahu also ordered preparations for the immediate departure of an Israeli specialist medical team, which will coordination with the relevant Guatemalan agencies.
Following the eruption, Israel immediately rushed a substantial amount of aid to Guatemala, including food, medication and blankets.
Israel is maintaining contact with the Guatemalan government and will send further support as required, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said.
“We follow with worry the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala. Our hearts go to the victims and their families. From Israel we extend solidarity and friendship,” MFA spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon tweeted.
The Volcan de Fuego, or “volcano of fire,” exploded in a hail of ash and molten rock Sunday, blanketing nearby villages in heavy ash and sending lava flows down the mountain’s flank.
Frightened people living near the Volcano of Fire fled with their children and few possessions when fresh flows of super-heated debris were announced, taking no chances after authorities gave them little time to evacuate before a deadly eruption.
A column of smoke rose from the mountain Tuesday afternoon and hot volcanic material began descending its south side, prompting new evacuation orders for a half dozen communities and the closure of a national highway.
Rescuers, police and journalists hurried to leave the area as a siren wailed and loudspeakers blared, “Evacuate!”
Israel has a proud history of leading humanitarian, medical and logistical assistance to countries facing natural disasters around the world.
AP contributed to this report.
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