Migration News
U.S. military aids quake relief in Turkey
Stars and Stripes
November 2, 2011
A forklift offloads supplies from a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, Oct. 29, at Erzurum Airport, Turkey. The C-130J was taking blankets and cots flown as humanitarian aid for the victims of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred in north-eastern Turkey recently. (COURTESY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE)
NAPLES, Italy — The U.S. military in Europe has been ferrying supplies to Turkey in recent days in response to the Turkish government’s request for aid following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the eastern part of the country on Oct. 23.
U.S. European Command has directed a variety of relief missions since Saturday intended to help deal with the aftermath of the disaster, which has reportedly left close to 600 dead and more than 4,000 injured.
In all, crews on C-130 and C-17 aircraft delivered about 1,400 blankets, 2,700 cots, 500 sleeping bags and 370 tents and heating units, according to EUCOM officials.
EUCOM’s part of the mission wrapped up Monday, but U.S. relief assistance continues via the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Turkey, according to Army Capt. Jack Gaines, a EUCOM spokesman.