India extending relief to Lanka to battle torrential rains

India is extending help and relief to Sri Lanka, which is battling torrential rains and landslides that have caused significant devastation and loss of life.

The Indian Navy is sending two ships today, INS Sutlej and INS Sunanyna with Geminis (inflatable boats), OBMs (outboard motors), additional divers, tarpaulins, consumable stores, rations, etc.

Officials in the Home Ministry held a meeting today on coordinating an airlift with NDMA cargo. In the meeting, they assessed quantity of relief material required. All the material will be collected in Delhi and a C-17 aircraft with crew and officials from NDMA and NDRF will leave with halt at Chennai to pick up additional material and head to Colombo.

It will reach in the evening today carrying medical supplies, tarpaulins, tents, emergency lights consumables stores, and mobile toilets.

The Home Ministry is in constant touch with the Indian High Commission for any additional logistical support that might be required.

"Sri Lanka is a close neighbour and friend and India has always been the first responder in times of a crisis. As was the case during the Tsunami that affected Sri Lanka in the past, this time also India will extend all necessary help and relief to Sri Lanka, as requested," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said.