IAF flight with relief supplies to reach US on Sep 12

Joining the relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina, an Indian Air Force aircraft carrying relief supplies will reach the battered US Gulf Coast on Monday.

The flight, carrying 20.5 tonnes of relief supplies, will arrive at Little Rock Air Force Base in the Southern United States on September 12, the Indian Embassy said in Washington.

The relief comprises blankets, sheets, personal hygiene kits and tarpaulins, priority items required by the US administration in the rescue and relief effort, it added.

Katrina: India to join relief efforts

Twenty Indian naval divers and experienced salvage experts are also expected to arrive later next week to help US authorities with relief operations in the affected areas.

India has contributed $5 million to the American Red Cross and offered to send medical teams with experience in dealing with water-borne diseases to deal with the aftermath of the hurricane.