JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Israel Defense Forces delegation to Nepal returned arrived home as a second powerful earthquake again shook the beleaguered country.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Nepal Tuesday morning, less than three weeks after a 7.8 magnitude quake struck the same area, killing more than 8,000 people and injuring upwards of 16,000. At least 19 people were reported killed and several buildings destroyed in Tuesday’s earthquake in the hours after it struck.
The area had faced numerous aftershocks and smaller earthquakes since the April 25th temblor centered in Kathmandu. Many families had moved back to their homes, however.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted the IDF delegation on Tuesday morning when it arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport.
“Members of the delegation – we are proud of you! You rescued people from the ruins, treated 1,600 injured and sick people, and brought new life into the world, at least eight births. You showed the true face of the State of Israel – a state that loves life and saves life,” Netanyahu said.
“You brought much honor and much pride to the State of Israel. I am certain and I know that you are already prepared for the next mission wherever you are needed.”
