 |
| Indian Airforce C-130 Hercules (File Photo) |
In a display of solidarity with the citizens of Hurricane ravaged Philippines, Government of India mounted a speedy Joint Services response coordinated by HQ Integrated Defence Staff to provide help to the beleaguered nation. The relief package comprising of medicines, hygiene chemicals, tentage, blankets, tarpaulins and meals ready to eat were provided ex Armed Forces stock and airlifted by an Indian Air Force C-130 Super Hercules aircraft. The aircraft reached Tacloban, the epicentre of the devastating natural calamity where more than 10,000 people are feared dead, on Saturday and delivered the much needed relief supplies that are expected to help meet the urgent need for life saving medical care, food supplies and construction of temporary shelters in the face of a serious humanitarian crisis. Similar aid was provided to Philippines by India in 2006 as well.
Plans are now underway to further supplement the effort and provide additional relief material, a second consignment on-board an Indian Naval Ship that is expected to be despatched shortly from Vizag. Additional relief material consignment on board will be of much larger quantity to include temporary shelters, prefabricated huts, life saving medical care and earth moving plants. The water purification capacity of the ship shall also be utilized to provide clean drinking water to the affected people. Necessary coordination for sending the ship and its arrival formalities at Philippines are being carried out with the Embassy of Philippines.