Relief Material sent to Philippines

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft carrying 34 tonnes of relief material left for the Philippines this morning to provide succour to the people affected due to last week's massive landslide there.

Over 1,400 persons were feared buried and several hundred injured and affected by the landslide that occurred in Leyte Province of the Philippines on Friday last.

The payload of relief material comprises tents, medicines, blankets, and pre-cooked food, among others.

The IAF IL-76 left this morning at 0815 hrs for Manila in the Philippines and would be routing via Bangkok. The aircraft is expected to return tomorrow after delivering the relief material.

The Mission has been undertaken by IAF under the auspices of the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs. The Nagpur-based 44 Squadron of IAF IL-76 was tasked to undertake this commitment. Gp Capt Rajat Sharma, the Commanding Officer of 44 Sqn, is the Captain of the mission.

It may be recalled that the Indian Air Force had last year carried relief material to United States of America in the aftermath of Hurricane 'Katrina' and to Pakistan after the disastrous earthquake of October 8 last.

UNI DG RL PC1425