MINSK, 6 September (BelTA) – Aerial units of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry continue helping Turkish firefighters extinguish forest fires, the ministry's representatives told BelTA.
Last week two Mi-8 helicopters based in Bergama and Kutahya as well as a Mi-26 helicopter based in Milas, Turkey performed 19 flights and dropped water 112 times (507 tonnes). Their flying time totaled 37 hours and 36 minutes. After maintenance provided by Belarusian technicians at night the helicopters once again deploy to fight fires.
Since May 2021 the crews have performed 225 flights and dropped water 1,406 times (5,352 tonnes). Their total flying time totaled 355 hours and 23 minutes. The helicopters also delivered 200 Turkish rescue workers to fire sites. The Belarusian crews operate as part of an international team together with helicopters and aircraft. The aerial units and ground units protect cities from strong forest fires.
It is not the first year Belarusian rescue workers have helped other countries fight natural calamities within the framework of international cooperation. Aerial units of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry have been used to fight forest fires in Greece, Russia, Latvia, and Georgia. They have also helped render aid in flood-stricken areas in Serbia.
