Azerbaijan sends over 140 rescuers to quake-hit Turkey

An Il-76 aircraft with over 140 rescuers and dogs, trained for searching people, departed for Azerbaijan to join relief operation in quake-hit Turkey, the country’s emergencies ministry said. A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkish province of Van on Sunday afternoon. According to latest estimates, over 200 people were killed, about 1,000 injured and some 400 are believed to be trapped under the debris of the ruined buildings. Another Azerbaijani emergencies ministry’s plane, carrying 250 tents, 3,000 blankets, 2,700 sleeping bags and two field kitchens, is expected to take off for Turkey soon. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a new earthquake, measuring at magnitude 6.1, struck the province of Van on early Monday. Dozens of countries have already offered their help to Turkey, among them Russia. The Kremlin said that two Il-76 planes with rescuers, psychologists, detector dog handlers as well as a mobile medical unit and rescue equipment on board are ready to head off for Turkey.