Operation Sahayata to carry relief materials to Bangladesh begins

Indias operation to assist thousands of Bangladesh nationals affected by Cyclone Sidr began today with Indian Air Forces (IAF) special IL-76 aircraft reaching Dhaka with relief materials.

New Delhi, Nov 22 : India's operation to assist thousands of Bangladesh nationals affected by Cyclone Sidr began today with Indian Air Force's (IAF) special IL-76 aircraft reaching Dhaka with relief materials.

Close to 3100 people have died in the cyclone that made a landfall on the night of November 15.

The operation codenamed 'Sahayta' or 'assistance' will distribute relief materials comprising, tents, ready to eat food, medicines, water purifying kits and blankets.

The dispatch of relief materials would continue for the next two days.

"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," said Wing Commander J Narula of Nagpur 44 Sqn.

The squadron 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 Defence Ministry is coordinating of the task for providing the relief material to Bangladesh.

Earlier, Indian Government had announced sending relief worth one million dollars to the Bangladesh.

ANI