In the morning of 30th of December 2004, two IAF aircrafts (AN-32) took off with relief materials of four metric tons each consisting of clothes, food, medicine and drinking water for Pondicherry. On 30th December itself another IAF aircraft (AN-32) left for Pondicherry with 400 metric tons of medicine.

The Government of Maharashtra also sent relief materials for the Tsunami-affected people of Andaman and Nicobar islands by an IAF aircraft (IL-76) that took off for Car Nicobar on 30th December 2004. The Government of Maharashtra is about to send around 60 metric tons of relief materials.

On 31st December 2004, a Government of Maharashtra sent relief team of 128 members for Andaman and Nicobar islands by a special IAF aircraft from the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 0215 hrs. The team consisted of Government Doctors, BMC conservancy staff, Search and Rescue personnel, civil defence and home guard jawans, along with CISF staff. The team reached the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the morning of 31st December 2004 and has swung into relief efforts.

On 2nd January 2005, one AL-32 aircraft carrying 4,500 ltrs. of drinking water took off from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport. Another IAF cargo aircraft IL-78 took off in the morning of 3rd January 2005 loaded with drinking water, tents, torch and dry cells, clothes and blankets.

The Government of Maharashtra plans to send relief material and humanitarian assistance to the Tsunami-affected states and union territories as per the needs. Relief materials such as drinking water, clothes, blankets and tents have been collected and positioned at the airport for despatching to the Andman and Nicobar islands. It is expected that two more IL 76 aircrafts with around 75 metric tons of relief material would be sent to Andaman and Nicobar islands on 3rd, 4th and 5th January 2005.

The Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation Dr. Patangrao Kadam, has visited Pondicherry for assessment of the situation. He had a meeting with the Chief Minister, Lieutenant Governor and senior government officials. He has assured all possible assistance for the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Pondicherry.

Material sent to Pondicherry

Material sent to Car Nicobar

Constituents of relief team sent to the Andaman and Nicobar islands from Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 0215 hrs. on 31.12.04 by IC 1572

Material to be sent to Car Nicobar island on 3rd January 2005

Material to be sent to Car Nicobar island on 4th January 2005

Material to be sent to Car Nicobar island on 5th January 2005