IAF terms assistance to Myanmar, China its biggest relief mission

New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) The Indian Air Force today termed its sorties to cyclone-ravaged Myanmar and quake hit China as its biggest cross-border relief mission so far.

The IAF has so far airlifted over 277 tonnes of relief material in the aftermath of cyclone and severe earthquake. Another IL-76 of IAF would be ferrying 28 tonnes to Chengdu in China tomorrow.

Cyclone Nargis struck south-east coast of Myanmar on May 3 and caused widespread damage to life and property. Soon after, a severe earthquake measuring over 7.8 on Richter scale struck the Sichuan province of China.

For Myanmar, the Disaster Management Crisis Group (DMCG) projected the requirement of carrying relief material on May 6, 7 and 8.

Two AN-32 transport aircraft were airborne for Yangon with supplies consisting of tents and medicines. Additional relief supplies were sent by bigger IL-76 aircraft on May 8, 10, 12 and 17. Another IL-76 left for Yangon today.

For Myanmar, the IAF has airlifted 125.5 tonne of relief material, including medicines, tents, ready to eat meals and 47 personnel.

For China, the DMCG projected the requirement on May 16, and the IAF had delivered the load once again on May 17 consisting of tentage, blankets and medicines. IAF has so far airlifted 152 tonne of relief materials including medicines, tents, sleeping bags, blankets and ready to eat meals.

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