Russia to Send Additional Aid to Flood-Hit Serbia

2014/05/19

MOSCOW, May 19 (RIA Novosti) – Russian Emergency Minister Vladimir Puchkov ordered an increase in Russian humanitarian aid on Monday for Serbia as the country grapples with the worst flooding it has seen in a century.


"Humanitarian aid, primarily medications and food for the flooded Serbian towns, must be increased," Puchkov said in a teleconference.


The minister called for delivery of food supplies "especially to distant communities" and ordered a humanitarian aid plane be dispatched on Monday.


Two Russian multipurpose Ka-32 helicopters are expected to arrive in Serbia on Monday. Russia sent 10 lifeboats and other equipment to the flood-hit country last week.


Some 72 Russian rescuers working in Serbia have already helped evacuate more than 2,000 people, including 604 children, since the worst flood in a century hit the Balkan country last week.


Serbia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, has declared a state of emergency in most regions of the country. On Thursday, Serbia asked Russia and the European Commission for humanitarian aid.



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