19 Jan 2017 13:49

Russia ready to help Italy following earthquake - emergencies ministry

MOSCOW. Jan 19 (Interfax) - The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry is ready to extend assistance to Italy following an earthquake and a subsequent avalanche in this country if the Italian side requests such help, Russian Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov said.

"We have articulated our proposals to our Italian colleagues. They have launched a rescue operation at a high level, and if an appropriate request is received, we will certainly send rescuers and all specialists," he told reporters when answering the relevant question.

Russia had already helped Italy clear away the aftermath of an earthquake in 2016, the minister said.