MINSK, 20 September (BelTA) – Three helicopter crews of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry continue helping fight forest fires in Turkey, the ministry's press service 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 8 flights and dropped water 21 times (63 tonnes). Their flying time totaled 15 hours and 35 minutes. After maintenance provided by Belarusian technicians at night the helicopters once again deploy to fight fires.
Since May 2021 the crews have performed 244 flights and dropped water 1,444 times (5,466 tonnes). Their total flying time amounted to 387 hours. The helicopters also delivered 439 Turkish rescue workers to fire sites. The Belarusian crews operate as part of an international team together with other 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.
