India sends relief to cyclone-hit Burma

NEW DELHI: Faced with a devastating cyclone which rippled through Myanmar this weekend, Asian neighbours are stepping forward to help the isolated military junta in Yangon.

The toll in Cyclone Nargis that devastated central Myanmar has risen to nearly 4,000, with some  3,000 missing, state run media said on Monday.

Two naval ships from India are  likely to reach Yangon early Tuesday. Tents, ready to eat meals, tarpaulin, medicine and rice are being sent out. Thailand, Myanmar’s eastern neighbour, has also dispatched aid on Monday.

Right through Sunday, Indian authorities were unable to contact the embassy in Yangon as all communication lines were destroyed following the cyclone. However, on Monday morning, New Delhi was able to get in touch with its mission in Yangon.

According to initial reports, Indians living in Yangon are safe, though some have suffered damages to property. New Delhi is likely to step up aid as soon as the authorities in Yangon are in a position to say what they urgently require. “In keeping with India’s historical, close and good neighbourly ties with the friendly people of Myanmar, India is providing immediate relief assistance to Myanmar,’’ the ministry of external affairs said in a statement on Monday.

Indian Navy had marked its presence when tsunami hit east and south Asia in 2004 and was able to provide immediate relief to thousands of victims from Sri Lanka to Thailand. India is once again willing to do its bit to help Myanmar.

g_seema@dnaindia.net