UK leads Nato response to earthquake as RAF flies out team to deliver emergency shelter in Turkey
The Royal Air Force is helping lead the delivery of Nato's package of emergency support to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes in the country.
Nato support includes the delivery of specialist medical assistance, aid and shelter to house thousands of people in the disaster-stricken country.
Three RAF flights are departing from Italy for Turkey on Friday carrying the team that will prepare for the delivery of emergency shelter.
An RAF Atlas A400M and two C130 Hercules are transporting a Nato Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) to Turkey.
The assistance package includes thousands of tents to provide shelter for those that have lost their homes.
The Nato OLRT includes 12 personnel, four Land-Rovers with trailers, and pallets of equipment which are being deployed ahead of the larger Nato accommodation package.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "We are committed to helping our close partner Turkey following the devastating earthquakes and have deployed flights, medics and aid to support the recovery efforts."
"We will continue to explore options for further support and I am in regular contact with my counterpart and friend Defence Minister Akar," he added.
The RAF has also flown more than 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid and 81 tonnes of medical aid to Turkey and Syria, which included thermal blankets and medical supplies.
The UK also sent over a team of 77 search and rescue experts with specialist equipment, as well as four rescue dogs.
More UK flights are on standby should they be required by Nato, as the UK continues to contribute to Nato's support to Turkey.
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