India despatches relief material to Philippines

NEW DELHI: India today despatched relief material in an IAF C-130J Hercules aircraft to help the typhoon-affected people of Philippines.

"The relief package comprising medicines, hygiene and chemicals, tentage, blankets, tarpaulins and ready to eat meals ex-Armed Forces stocks by the aircraft to Mactan," an IAF release said.

"This will help meet the urgent need for life-saving medical care, food supplies and construction of temporary shelters in this hour of need in the face of a serious humanitarian crisis," it said.

The eastern coast of Philippines has been severely battered by cyclone Haiyan where over 10,000 people are feared dead and about 4 million people have been affected.

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, the release said.