ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Aug. 10, killing at least 287 people and damaging thousands of homes, schools and hospitals.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The effort was coordinated with AdventHealth and the Colombian government. Organizers said the Colombian Army would transport the medical team from Bogot\u00e1 to remote communities experiencing critical shortages of medical personnel and supplies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a mission of immediate action,\u201d Newlin said. \u201cWe are committed to getting these resources and hands-on medical expertise to the people who need them most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two private aircraft were used to transport the personnel and supplies. At the time of the mission\u2019s departure, organizers said additional relief flights were being planned.<\/p>\n
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