Greek state, private entities step up efforts to get aid to quake-stricken areas in SE Turkey

Greek state services and private entities stepped up efforts over the past 48 hours to collect and transport humanitarian aid to the quake-devastated areas of southeast Turkey, with a total of six flights recorded so far carrying 90 tons.

The EU’s civil protection mechanism is covering 75 percent of transportation costs, with the rest covered by Aegean Airlines, Greece’s national carrier.

Additionally, the first humanitarian mission by the Hellenic Red Cross (HRC) is set to depart for affected areas in Turkey on Friday.

The first HRC dispatch of aid, some 40 tons, will be transported aboard three lorries, with a special rescue vehicle and trained staff also included.

The aid is comprised of durable goods, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, personal hygiene items etc. and will be delivered to the Turkish Red Crescent.

The Hellenic Red Cross also announced the delivery of aid to civil war-ravaged Syria, a particularly difficult and sensitive mission.

Meanwhile, 30 trained volunteers of the Hellenic Rescue Team NGO are set to depart on Thursday evening for the city of Adana in southeast Turkey, with a K9 unit and specialized equipment and medical material in tow.

The volunteers will partner with a unit of the Turkish Directorate of Catastrophe and Emergency Situations Management (AFAD), following communication with the consulate of Turkey in Thessaloniki and the country’s embassy in Athens.