ZAKA volunteers open temporary clinic amid search and rescue operations after Colombia earthquake

A delegation from ZAKA's International Division is actively assisting in Colombia after a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's Choco province earlier this week, claiming at least 250 lives. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 79 km, was followed by a magnitude 4.8 seismic aftershock in the same region.

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From the very first moment, we began operating at the scenes of destruction, with the goal of saving lives and helping anyone who needs assistance. Alongside the rescue operations, we established a temporary clinic at the scene of the destruction, where the medical teams are treating the sick and injured, providing medications, and delivering initial medical care under field conditions.

The ZAKA team, comprising search and rescue personnel, doctors, engineers, and experts in forensic identification, has arrived in several affected cities, including Cali, Pereira, and Chocó. They are working in coordination with local rescue teams to locate survivors and provide essential aid.

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We are operating here for the Jewish community, but also for all local residents. For us, this is a mission of mutual responsibility and one of human responsibility. We hope to sanctify God's name and do everything in our power to provide hope, assistance, and relief to the Colombian people.

Beyond rescue efforts, ZAKA has set up a temporary clinic within a destruction site to offer immediate medical attention to the injured and sick. Medical teams are providing necessary medications and initial care under challenging field conditions. Yosef Garmon, ZAKA South America Commander, stated that the organization's goal is to save lives and assist anyone in need, viewing the mission as one of mutual and human responsibility.

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At every scene, we bring extensive experience, professional knowledge, advanced equipment, and endless dedication. In Colombia as well, ZAKA volunteers are working around the clock, shoulder to shoulder with local rescue forces, to save lives, locate missing people, and provide as much medical and humanitarian assistance as possible.

Baruch Nidam, Director of ZAKA's International Division, highlighted the organization's extensive experience and dedication in disaster zones worldwide. He noted that ZAKA volunteers are working around the clock alongside local forces in Colombia. ZAKA CEO Zvi Hassid added that the organization deploys to the world's most difficult locations to help and save lives, emphasizing that in moments of disaster, there is no distinction between people.

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ZAKA is an organization that goes to the most difficult places in the world in order to help and save lives. In moments of disaster, there is no distinction between people.