First relief plane heads to the US

The plane was ready to take off two days ago but was waiting to hear from the US on where to distribute the relief.

In line with the Disaster Relief Initiative signed by PM Manmohan Singh and US President George W Bush in Washington in July, India has been in touch with senior US officials on relief and rescue operations in New Orleons.

Indian Ambassador to the US, Ronnen Sen, had met US Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson earlier this week to convey the nature of help India was planning to extend and to assess Washington’s requirements.

India, which has already donated $5 million for relief through the Red Cross, has also conveyed that it can send eater purification kits and Army units of doctors trained in treating water-borne diseases.

South Block officials said the Indian willingness to assist the US to deal with this disaster and the spontaneity of its response had been appreciated in Washington. The two countries had also cooperated in relief and rescue after the tsunami.

To New Orleans, from New Delhi

• An IL-76 Air Force aircraft with 30 tonnes of relief for Hurricane Katrina victims left Delhi on Saturday.

• Second plane slated to leave next week with 20 naval divers for salvage operations.

• First relief package: 12 tonnes tarpaulin, 3000 blankets, 3000 sheets & personal hygiene kits.