United States to send aid to Turkey

WASHINGTON (A.A) - October 29, 2011 - The United States said on Friday that it would send aid to Turkey following last Sunday's massive earthquake that hit the eastern province of Van. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Pandetta ordered U.S.  European Command to provide humanitarian relief supplies to Turkey following last week's devastating earthquake, Navy Capt. John Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman, announced on Friday. The Pentagon and the State Department are coordinating the response to the Turkish government's request in the wake of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that rocked eastern Turkey's Van province October 23, he said. Eucom has jumped into action to airlift blankets, cots, sleeping bags, hygiene kits and other relief supplies within the next 18 to 24 hours, Kirby said. Kirby expressed condolences to the Turkish people as their government continues to work with local authorities and international relief agencies to cope with the quake's aftereffects and provide for their needs. "And our ablest efforts will be expended in assisting in any way possible," he said. The death toll in Turkey continues to mount, with more than 570 people reported dead and another 2,500 injured.