International aid continues to arrive at Little Rock

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFPN) --  More than 30 international aid flights have landed here, the hub and clearing house for all international aid going to help Hurricane Katrina victims in Louisiana and Mississippi.

More the 94 countries and international organizations have offered aid for the hurricane victims, according to a State Department spokesman.

Since Sept. 5, Belgium, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, Russia, Spain, Tunisia, Thailand and the United Kingdom have all landed here bearing needed supplies and aid. The international effort brought supplies like generators, packaged meals, water, baby food, tents, personnel, medical supplies, blankets and water pumps/purifiers.

"When you talk about the numbers of nations that have contributed here and the miles of oceans they had to cross, we are one of the luckiest nations in terms of partnerships," said Brig. Gen. Kip L. Self, 314th Airlift Wing commander. "This is all about taking care of people."

As of Sept. 11, the base had received more than 1,155 tons of cargo and expected to receive an additional 76 tons in the next few days, officials said.

"By working with other nations, other services and other agencies within our government we take pride in knowing we're helping during this time of need," General Self said.

A constant flow of contracted tractor-trailer trucks are arriving here to bring the international aid to the Gulf Coast.

More international aid flights from Austria, Denmark, India, NATO, Russia and Sweden are tentatively set to arrive in the next few days, base officials said.