Operation Sahayata, IAF IL-76 carries relief materials to Bangladesh
An IAF IL-76 aircraft carrying 40 tonnes of relief material for the cyclone – Sidr affected people of Bangladesh departed today from Palam airport at 1110 hrs. The IL-76 carried a part of Indian Government aid for relief of the victims in Bangladesh comprising, Tents, Rations (ready to eat), medicines, water purifying kits and Blankets. The balance of relief material would be dispatched by IL-76 aircraft on 23 and 24 Nov 07. The IAF’s IL-76 would be delivering these loads at the Bangladesh Capital city of Dhaka.
The IL-76 which carried the load belongs to the Nagpur based 44 Sqn and was captained by Wg Cdr J Narula Speaking the media persons prior to the departure Wg Cdr Narula said “It is a privilege for me and my crew members to be the instruments in providing relief and succor for our brethren in their hour of need”. It may be recalled that the Nagpur 44 Sqn had earlier carried the relief aid on behalf of the Indian Government to the Hurricane Katrina victims in US and also to Philippines.
The Integrated Defence staff of MoD is coordinating of the task for providing the relief material to Bangladesh, where the estimated death toll and damage due to the cyclone ‘Sidr’ is substantial. The relief worth one million USD on behalf of the Indian Government is being overall coordinated under the auspices of Ministry of External Affairs.
India is rushing humanitarian relief supplies of about Rs 4 crores for cyclone affected victims of Bangladesh.