India plans to send NDRF teams to Myanmar

India plans to send NDRF teams to Myanmar to assist the neighbouring country in flood relief works, as rescuers in rain-battered nation are struggling to reach isolated regions.

"We have readied NDRF teams with all necessary rescue and relief materials to send Myanmar. An aircraft is also being kept in readiness. We are awaiting for a formal communication," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told PTI tonight.

A team of about 200 personnel of National Disaster Response Force is expected to be send to Myanmar after India receives a formal communication.

Sources said Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with the Myanmar Foreign Ministry officials and details are being worked out.

NDRF teams were sent to Japan and Nepal in the past for rescue and relief operations following earthquakes in these countries.

When contacted, NDRF Director General O P Singh confirmed about the readiness of the contingent.

Floods and landslides in Myanmar have claimed at least 46 lives and affected some 215,000 people. Tens of thousands of people remain cut off and swollen rivers are now threatening to inundate low-lying southern areas of the country.