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Israel offers assistance following Italy earthquake
Israel’s Prime Minister yesterday offered to lend Israeli expertise to the rescue efforts following a devastating earthquake in Italy.
The 6.2 magnitude tremor in central Italy has so far killed at least 247 people and caused massive damage in towns including Amatrice, Accumoli and other villages.
Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu issued a statement which said: “I send my condolences to the people of Italy regarding the victims of the earthquake and my wishes for a quick recovery to the injured.”
He added: “I have offered search and rescue assistance to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.”
The offer to Italy came on the same day as it was announced that IsraAid, the Israeli international aid organisation, will be sending a delegation to Louisiana in the United States to help in the relief effort following massive flooding there, which has killed 13 people and damaged at least 60,000 homes.
The IsraAid delegation is likely to arrive on the ground before the weekend. Delegation head Naama Gorodischer told YNet: “With the help of our local partners, we’ve been able to get a good situation report on the extent of the damage, and the urgent need for assistance and rehabilitation.”
She added: “Our team will arrive in the field at the exact time that the water levels are expected to lower, which will enable us to start working immediately.”
IsraAid and the Israeli army routinely send practical assistance to disaster zones across the world and have worked intensely to provide crucial services in recent years in locations including Haiti and the Philippines.
Last year, IsraeAid sent two teams to Nepal, following a massive earthquake there. In addition, the IDF sent a 260-strong team, plus 95 tons of medical and humanitarian supplies. They established a field hospital staffed by 122 doctors, nurses and paramedics, operating an emergency room, operating theatres, X-ray facilities and a room for expectant mothers.