India sends relief package to cyclone hit Myanmar

Observing the great damage incurred upon Myanmar by the cyclone Nargis, India on Monday dispatched two naval ships loaded with relief supplies to the cyclone hit country.

Rana and Kirpan stationed at Port Blair were ordered sailing to Myanmar on Monday with relief measures comprising tents, medicine, food and blankets to the cyclone hit areas in Myanmar.

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As per the latest report flashing in news channels and some unofficial sources the death toll in Myanmar has crossed the 22,000 mark including people in thousand still missing. While the Myanmar government officials said up to 15,000 people had died.

The cyclone Nargis blowing with wind speed up to 190 kmph severely hit Rangoon and Irrawadi delta Friday night at 08:30 on May 02 causing massive damage to life and property and throwing the entire region out of gear.

A day before the devastation caused by cyclone, ships stationed at both Vishakhapatnam and Port Blair had been placed on a high alert since May 01 viewing cyclone approaching Myanmar coast to render assistance in any form.

Both the ships packed with all necessary daily needs left Indian port late on Monday night to reach Yangon early morning on May 07 India dispatches relief measures to Myanmar

The cyclone also reached the neighbouring countries-Thailand and Bangladesh resulted into heavy rain there. However, no devastating news from there has been reported.

Nargis hit Myanmar severely at a juncture when the military junta has announced to hold a referendum for a novel constitution. The date for referendum has been announced to be held on May 10, while the general elections are scheduled to be held in 2010. But in present circumstances it seems that people will have to wait for some time more to participate in referendum.

The President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Prime Minister Devi Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee have expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and widespread damage to property caused due to the tropical cyclone that hit Myanmar on 2nd & 3rd May.

The President said, “We are sending some immediate relief supplies to provide succour for those affected among the friendly people of Myanmar. India also stands ready to assist Myanmar to cope with this tragedy.”

India has economic and military ties with its neighbouring Myanmar and both the countries signed an agreement last month to build seaport, improve roads and waterways inside Myanmar.

Indian government has the record of providing assistance to the neighbouring country in need hit by natural calamities.

In the recent past ships loaded with relief materials were deployed to Bangladesh when the country was severely hit by the similar cyclone.