President, PM express grief over loss of lives in Indonesia

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed their grief over the loss of lives in Saturday's devastating earthquake in Indonesia.

Both Dr Kalam and Dr Singh spoke to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and assured him of any assistance from India that may be required.

More than 5,000 people died in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which rocked Yogyakarta and adjacent areas on May 27.

Meanwhile, an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft left here this afternoon for Jakarta carrying 35 tonnes of relief material comprising emergency medicines, tents, ready-to-cook food, blankets and other items for the quake-hit people this afternoon.

Another aircraft -- also from AF Station Palam -- was being planned for tomorrow with more relief supplies for the quake victims in Central Java province of Indonesia, an official spokesman said here.

In addition to this, two naval vessels INS Rajput and INS Tabar would reach Indonesia to provide relief material and medical assistance to the victims.

While INS Rajput is expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon, INS Tabar will reach the country on June 7.

UNI PMD HS HS2219