The 13th relief flight chartered by the Department for International Development departs from Stansted Airport tonight for Islamabad (Wednesday 19 October 2005) carrying more supplies to help with the Asia earthquake relief effort.
The Boeing 747 aircraft will be carrying 13 vehicles and a trailer, 2 forklift trucks and 50 Global Positioning System units provided by the UK Government for use by UN agencies contributing towards the relief effort in Pakistan.
The flight will also be carrying 16 tonnes of water, and sanitation equipment for Oxfam.
Departing at 11pm, UK time, it is due to arrive in Islamabad at 10am, local time.
Other UK Government relief flights have carried at total of 900 tonnes or emergency supplies including:
- 40,000 sleeping mats
- 30,000 tarpaulins
- 27,230 blankets
- 19,700 jerry cans
- 5,500 winterised tents
- 3,150 food rations
The UK Government has so far pledged =A313 million to the earthquake relief effort.
International Development Secretary, Mr Hilary Benn, is visiting Pakistan on Thursday, 20 October, to see the relief effort for himself and to discuss with the Government of Pakistan and UN what more the UK can do to help.
For more information call: DFID press office 020 7023 0600