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| October 25, 2005 | Tuesday | Ramzan 20, 1426 |
Three RAF Chinooks arrive at Chaklala base
ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: Three British Chinook helicopters arrived at Chaklala airbase on Monday to assist in the massive aid operation currently underway following the devastating earthquake on October 8.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the airbase in this regard, British High Commissioner Mark Lyall Grant said: “The Royal Air Force (RAF)’s Chinook helicopters are part of the British government and the British people’s response to the current relief operations. Everyone in Britain has been deeply affected by the trail of destruction left behind by the earthquake.”
Mr Grant said the British government had divided aid operations into three phases. The first phase included search and rescue operations. “British rescue teams were the first to respond within 22 hours after disaster struck on 8 October, and rescued 14 victims.
Chinooks are part of the second phase, which includes provision of relief goods like tents, blankets, food and medicines to the affected areas.
The third phase is rehabilitation and reconstruction. “A conference being organized by Pakistan in Geneva will underline the needs and the British government will then respond accordingly,” the high commissioner said.
Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn had announced last week that the UK would increase its contribution to ongoing relief efforts to 33 million pounds.
Part of that provision will fund three RAF CH-47 Chinook helicopters in addition to four other helicopters being funded by the Department for International Development through the UN and the International Committee of Red Cross. The RAF Chinook helicopters were transported through C-17 and Antonov military flights. Soon after their arrival, reassembling of the helicopters started at the airbase.
Speaking after the arrival of the helicopters, RAF Wing Commander Steve Shell said: “These helicopters will greatly assist in the UN coordinated aid operation. They have the ability to transport five to six tonnes of internal load besides large payload of heavy equipment externally.”
He said unlike some other helicopters taking part in the operation, Chinooks had bigger fuel tanks to allow them to fly farther and longer. He said the helicopters would be ready for operation by Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the UK has also provided over 27,000 blankets, 40,000 sleeping mats, 30,000 tarpaulins, 19,700 jerry cans, 5,500 tents, medical support kits for 40,000 people for three months and 3,150 ration packs, says a statement.
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