Created: 31.08.2005 17:37 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 18:19
MosNews
The Russian Emergencies Ministry has offered the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency help in conducting search-and-rescue operations after Hurricane Katrina hit the American Gulf Coast and surged northward, RIA Novosti reports.
Two Russian Ilyshin cargo planes with rescue workers, search helicopters and special equipment for off-line operations in disaster areas are on standby at the Ramenskoe aerodrome outside Moscow ready to leave for the United States.
Ministry employees are also ready to participate in the search for and rescue of hurricane victims, including any Russian citizens that may be in the Gulf region.
The Ministry has also offered to send a Russian expert to the rescue headquarters near New Orleans.
Hurricane Katrina that hit the U.S. Monday has left most of New Orleans flooded. In some of the city districts the level of water has risen more than six meters above the ground. Several thousand people remained in the city despite calls for it to be evacuated. Many of them are on rooftops waiting for rescue teams.
Hundreds of people are feared dead in Mississippi and Louisiana following what was described as the most destructive storm to hit the United States in decades
Great news - particularly since Russia probably has a lot of equipment and expertise (large cargo planes, heavy helicopters, rescue crews, etc.). As for other countries, I would be willing to bet that most major countries have already been in contact with our government to offer their assistance. One of the problems right now is that there may not be a clear picture of what is needed, and where any aid should be sent.
For example, if Canada is ready to send food and water to the victims, where would they send it? I hope I am wrong, but it seems that things are not yet sufficiently organized or progressing to the point that officials can even direct humanitarian aid to certain locations.