Russian response to Hurricane Katrina

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Hurricane Katrina 2005 Atlantic hurricane season

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On August 30 Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President George W Bush, "Accept my sincere words of regret in connection with the natural calamity in the USA", Putin said in a message to Bush. He also stated that Russia was prepared to provide help if requested.

Up to four jets were placed on standby at the airport Ramenskoe near Moscow as early as August 30, including heavylift Ilyushin Il-76M(T/D)s with special evacuation equipment, medical equipment, a water cleansing system, a rescue helicopter BK-117 and two special cars; also passenger aircraft IL-62, which would bring 10 coordinators and 50 rescuers, as well as 6 tons of drinking water.

On September 1 Russian officials said that the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency had rejected a Russian offer to dispatch rescue teams and other aid. [1]

On September 6 the Bush administration accepted Moscow's offer. Two Il-76s took off to the United States around midnight on September 7, Moscow time, and landed at the Little Rock USAF base at Jacksonville, Arkansas, where the Russian contingent was greeted by Brig. Gen. Joseph Reheiser.