New Delhi: As the death toll continued to mount in Myanmar, India Wednesday sent two plane loads of relief material for the cyclone-hit people in that country.

“Two Indian Air Force aircraft today air-lifted relief supplies to Myanmar. The AN-32 aircraft carried medicines and tents for the affected people, devastated by the severe Cyclone Nargis," the defence ministry said here.

Under Operation Sahayata (help), as the relief campaign has been named, one more aircraft is expected to leave with relief for Myanmar soon.

Two Indian Navy ships carrying medicines, food, tents and clothing had already reached the Myanmar capital Yangon.

India was one of the first few countries to dispatch relief and medical supplies Monday after reports trickled in about a massive cyclone killing over 10,000 people in the military-ruled country.

The death toll climbed to over 25,000 people Wednesday.

“In keeping with India's historical, close and good neighbourly ties with the friendly people of Myanmar, the government of India is providing immediate relief assistance to Myanmar,” the external affairs ministry said Monday.

 

Source : IANS