By IANS,
New Delhi : India is sending 15 tonnes of relief material to the Philippines, where nearly 10,000 people have died after Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the country, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Tuesday.
India is also proposing to send a ship equipped with water treatment facilities to the areas hit by the typhoon.
Announcing this on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting, Khurshid said: “As a measure of support, India proposes to send immediate relief supplies to the Philippines to help those affected by the typhoon.”
“An aircraft with 15 tonnes of relief supplies will depart for the Philippines tonight (Tuesday). The material will consist of medicines and hygiene chemicals, fresh water and water purification material, tents, blankets, mattresses, tarpaulin and ground sheet for shelter, pre-cooked meals, biscuits and milk powder, such that the affected people can be provided immediate relief in terms of medical treatment, shelter and food.”
“As a follow-up measure, we shall consider sending a ship to the affected areas equipped with water treatment facilities and additional relief material to provide rehabilitation measures as well as transport to effectively ameliorate the sufferings of those affected,” he added.
At least 10,000 people are feared to have been killed in the Philippines. President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity to speed up relief efforts for the victims. The two worst affected provinces are Leyte and Samar, which have suffered massive destruction and loss of life.