IAF C130-J leaves on aid mission to Philippines

An Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft to Mactan with relief package comprising of medicines, hygiene and chemicals, tentage, blankets, tarpaulins and ready to eat meals left for Mactan in Taiwan on Thursday in a display of solidarity with the hurricane ravaged country.

The government of India despatched relief package from the stocks with the armed forces, days after fierce hurricane devastated the eastern coast of the Philippines where over 10,000 people are feared dead and about 4 million people have been affected.

Those who escaped the fury of nature are badly in need of food supplies and shelters.

India had provided a similar aid to Philippines in 2006 as well.

Plans are underway to further supplement the effort and provide additional relief material through an Indian Naval ship that will set sail at the earliest, according to an official announcement.