Saturday, January 1 2005 17:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka today (Jan 1, 2005) airlifted 22 tonnes of relief material to Tsunami victims of Car Nicobar Island, one of the worst hit by the killer tidal waves.

Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh was present when the IAF cargo aircraft left the Bangalore Airport to Car Nicobar.

Singh said he had informed the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee regarding despatch of the relief materials that included drinking water bottles, medicines, 1000 torches, diesel pump sets to drain out water and food grains.

He said the Prime Minister has assured the State to provide two more aircrafts, expected to land here by this evening to enable airlifting of relief materials.

Singh said Karnataka has collected 90 tonnes of relief material.

The State also despatched eight tonnes of relief material by road to Tamil Nadu today, he said.

With contributions pouring in for relief works, the Chief Minister's office received Rs 75 lakh donation today.