ORLANDO, Fla. — An emergency medical relief mission led by Orlando attorney Dan Newlin departed Orlando International Airport on Friday, Aug. 14, to assist communities affected by the devastating earthquake in Colombia.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Aug. 10, killing at least 287 people and damaging thousands of homes, schools and hospitals.
Mission organizers said the initial flight carried more than 3,000 pounds of surgical and medical equipment, along with 12 volunteer surgeons and advanced intensive-care nurses.
The effort was coordinated with AdventHealth and the Colombian government. Organizers said the Colombian Army would transport the medical team from Bogotá to remote communities experiencing critical shortages of medical personnel and supplies.
“This is a mission of immediate action,” Newlin said. “We are committed to getting these resources and hands-on medical expertise to the people who need them most.”
Two private aircraft were used to transport the personnel and supplies. At the time of the mission’s departure, organizers said additional relief flights were being planned.
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