India sends relief material to Philippines

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India Thursday sent a relief package comprising medicines, hygienic items, chemicals and ready-to-eat meals by an Indian Air Force aircraft to typhoon-hit Philippines, an official said.

The C-130J aircraft left for Mactan, carrying several essential materials.

"This will help meet the urgent need for life-saving medical care, food supplies and construction of temporary shelters in this hour of need in the face of a serious humanitarian crisis," the official said.

The eastern coast of Philippines was severely battered last week by cyclone Haiyan, and over 2,350 people were killed and four million people affected.

A similar aid was provided to the Philippines by India in 2006 as well.

Plans are underway to provide additional relief material through an Indian naval ship that will set sail at the earliest.

The number of deaths in the Philippines caused by the typhoon has risen to 2,357, a government agency said Thursday.