1st wave of Hellenic aid reaches Turkey
More specifically, 2 of the 5 flights carrying Greek humanitarian aid arrived at the airport of Adana early Thursday morning, as Athens steps up efforts to help those injured or displaced by the deadly earthquake that levelled large parts of southeastern Turkey and northern Syria.
Hellenic Civil Protection Minister Christos Stylianides escorted the flights and then returned to Greece to oversee the dispatch of the remaining 3.
Greece is sending health and medical equipment as well as basic necessities, such as 7,500 blankets, 1,500 beds and 500 tents, which can accommodate families and be used as mobile clinics.
The cost of transporting the aid will be covered by 75% by the European Civil Protection Mechanism and the remaining 25% by Greek carrier Aegean Airlines.
The mission is carried out in consultation with the Turkish authorities, the assistance of the Turkish ambassador in Athens, Cagatay Erciyes, and in cooperation with the European Commission.
Furthermore, the first humanitarian mission of the Hellenic Red Cross to support the affected areas in Turkey is to depart on Friday from Athens.
3 trucks and a rescue vehicle of the Hellenic Red Cross, manned by its specially trained staff, will transport approximately 40 tons of humanitarian aid (durable food, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, personal hygiene items, etc.), which will be delivered directly to the warehouses of the Turkish Red Cross, in the centre of the affected area.
It is noted that the next mission of the Hellenic Red Cross will soon depart for Syria.
