RAF to fly casualties around Turkey as UK increases support after earthquake

The Royal Air Force will fly casualties around earthquake-hit Turkey as the UK increases its support to the country.

An RAF C130 Hercules transport aircraft and an accompanying critical care air support team will help provide vital emergency treatment to those critically injured by the catastrophic earthquakes.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has also announced that a field hospital, which includes a 24/7 operating theatre, will be deployed alongside medical staff.

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More than 21,000 people have died in Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes on Monday.

The MOD confirmed an RAF A400M transport plane carrying humanitarian aid – including thousands of thermal blankets – left RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for Turkey on Thursday night.

"The UK stands ready to assist our close allies and friends during this terrible time," Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.

"We will keep options open for further assistance as requested."

Mr Wallace agreed to deploy the aid after the MOD and his Turkish counterpart liaised over the last 24 hours.

The aid comes on top of key personnel arriving at the British Embassy in Turkey's capital, Ankara.

As the search and rescue mission continues, a specialist planning team, sent from the UK’s high-readiness unit Joint Force Headquarters, will help the British Embassy organising Britain's support.

Joint Force Headquarters commander Brigadier Dan Reeve said thoughts go to the "many victims of this catastrophic earthquake".

"Our team is trained, equipped and configured to assist our Embassy in Ankara in coordinating the UK's offer of humanitarian support to Turkey's disaster response operation," he said.