Russia sends more help to fire-ravaged Israel

Russia has sent a third plane to Israel to dispense water over the worst wildfires ever experienced in the country. Several states are involved in the operation as the blazes rage on.

President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the dispatch of the Il-76 aircraft, capable of dropping 42 tons of water, in addition to the two planes that were earlier sent to help put out wildfires which have killed at least 40 people.Israeli authorities are worried the number of casualties could climb since many still remain hospitalized in a critical condition. More than 15,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the north of the country.Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu called on the international community to assist in the rescue efforts, admitting the country did not have the technical means nor the personnel needed to contain a disaster of this scale. In addition to Russia, Cyprus, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Jordan and Egypt have also responded to the call.