Israel has delivered emergency aid to Guatemala, the devastated nation that was struck on Sunday by the erupting Volcan de Fuego volcano in the country’s southwestern region.
Praying for Guatemala ??
One of Central America's most active volcanos erupted in , killing at least 25 people and injuring dozens. pic.twitter.com/N2vS3Kb7Xc
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali)
Aid funds are being used to purchase food, medicine and blankets for the disaster victims, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said. Ministry officials are working with Guatemalan authorities to determine whether Israeli search and rescue teams are needed by the Central American country as well.
Villages were buried with hot lava and ash, as sludge raced down the slopes of the volcano and straight into communities located nearby. More such onslaughts are possible, and even likely, according to Guatemalan officials, who say the danger from the volcano has not yet passed. Rescue efforts are becoming increasingly difficult as lava flows and ash block entrances to neighborhoods, making it impossible to reach victims.
At least 65 people so far have been confirmed dead, with thousands more evacuated to shelters. Many more are still unaccounted for; their neighbors and friends fearful they might not have made it out of their villages in time to escape the burning lava.