New Delhi, May 14 (FN Bureau) India sent a second tranche of humanitarian assistance to Kenya, including medicines, tents, sleeping bags/mats, blankets, power generation sets, and ready to eat meals, in the wake of the devastation caused by floods that have hit the country.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on X: “The second tranche of HADR material containing 40 tonnes of medicines, medical supplies and other equipment to assist flood victims leaves for Kenya. “Standing up for a historical partnership, a Vishwabandhu to the world.” An official statement said that A relief consignment is being airlifted today on an Indian Air Force plane that comprises of 22 tons humanitarian assistance and disaster relief items (HADR) including tents, sleeping bags/mats, blankets, power generation sets, ready to eat meals, basic sanitary utilities and hygiene kits to provide immediate succor to the people of Kenya.
The consignment also contains about 18 tons of medical aid, comprising essential life-saving drugs and surgical equipment required for critical care and wound management. It also includes items required for baby food, water purification, menstrual hygiene, repelling mosquitoes, along with malaria and dengue diagnostic kits, anti-venom treatment and several types of testing kits that can be readily deployed on the ground. Indian Naval ship INS Sumedha had earlier reached Mombasa on 10th May to extend immediate relief comprising one HADR pallet and two medical pallets.The assistance to Kenya is a reiteration of our strong and friendly relations with the country, in the spirit of South-South cooperation and our commitment to keep Africa on top of our priorities, as spelt out by PM Narendra Modi. India also extends deep sympathies to the government and people of the Republic of Kenya for the damage and destruction caused by the floods, it said. The floods in Kenya have affected 38 out of 47 counties, and an estimated 267 people have died, 188 injured and over 2,80,000 displaced.