17 Oct. 2005

NATO delivers first aid to Pakistan News 18/10/2005 - SHAPE NATO opens new air bridge to Pakistan 18/10/2005 - SHAPE NATO continues relief to Pakistan 15/10/2005 - SHAPE NATO delivers aid to Pakistan 11/10/2005 - NATO Statement by the Secretary General on the NATO Pakistan earthquake relief operation Multimedia 19/10/2005 - NATO High resolution photos of Meeting with the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority 18/10/2005 - NATO Press briefing by NATO Spokesman on NATO's assistance to Pakistan - MP3/20101Kb - Transcript 16/10/2005 - NATO High resolution photos of October 15 Antonov flight 15/10/2005 - NATO High resolution photos of first NATO aid flight, 14 October Key links Situation reports on donations by NATO and partner countries On 14 and 15 October, two NATO flights delivered several tons of much-needed supplies to earthquake stricken Pakistan. The flights are part of a strategic air bridge to Pakistan set up by NATO on 11 October to move urgently required relief assets. Providing shelter On 14 October, a cargo aircraft from NATO’s AWACS fleet delivered approximately seven tons of tents, blankets and sleeping bags donated by NATO member country Slovenia. On 15 October, an Antonov cargo aircraft delivered a base camp for the World Food Program. The camp, donated by partner country Sweden, will be used in Mazaffarabad for distribution of food to earthquake victims. “NATO is providing this aid at the direct request of the Pakistani government. And the urgency of a quick and substantial response is clear to anyone who has seen the terrible images coming from the affected areas,” explained NATO Spokesman James Appathurai. The air bridge is designed to transport of donations from NATO and partner countries when necessary. This action represents the initial response by the Alliance . NATO has agreed to examine the potential requirement for follow-on stages of support to Pakistan, which could include use of sealift and possible deployment of specific NRF military assets and capabilities, for example to transport rescue and transport helicopters, shelter items, medical equipment and medications. A high-level NATO official, Deputy Assistant Secretary General Maurits Jochems, is in Pakistan to liaise with local officials on NATO support.