Israel: preparing for major earthquake in north

Preparations have been stepped up for a major disaster in northern Israel following a warning by the Ministry of Health of an expected earthquake.

Hospital chiefs and representatives of northern health maintenance organizations were instructed by Mr. Avi Yisraeli, Ministry director-general to prepare immediately for the possibility of a major tremor. Preparations for earthquake readiness should include checking essential medical equipment and satellite telephones in hospitals, stated the director-general.