Russian aircraft on way to quake-hit Ecuador in relief effort

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. A Russian Emergencies Ministry’s aircraft carrying aid for people affected by a devastating earthquake in Ecuador has taken off from a Moscow airport, the ministry’s press service told TASS. "In line with the Russian president’s instruction, an Ilyushin Il-76 of the Emergencies Ministry has taken off from Ramenskoye airport near Moscow," the spokesperson said, adding the Il-76 aircraft contains 30 tons, namely foodstuffs, tents and mobile energy generators. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Ecuador in the evening of April 16. Its seismic center was located near the northwestern town of Pedernales at a depth of 20 kilometers. A number of regional countries, including Bolivia, Columbia and Venezuela, have already sent to Ecuador rescuers and humanitarian aid. The death toll has exceeded 400. Read more