New Delhi, May 6: India has dispatched two frontline warships loaded with relief material to Yangon in an effort to assist Myanmar that has been hit by a devastating cyclone. The Air Force is also airlifting medicines and tent equipment to the neighboring country where thousands of people have died since cyclone Nargis hit it last week.

Two warships — INS Rana and Kripal — set sail from the Andaman Nicobar Command on Monday and are expected to reach Yangon by Wednesday morning. The ships are carrying 12 tonnes of ration, including large quantities of clothes, blankets and tents. Water purifiers and high power torches have also been sent. The Navy is keeping ships at Vizag on high alert to assist in the relief operations, if needed. Medicines and tents that have been requested by Yangon will be airlifted by the IAF on Wednesday. The first An 32 transport aircraft, carrying four tonnes of tent equipment, will be dispatched at first light, followed by another An 32 carrying vital medicines. Besides, a high-capacity IL 76 has been put on standby for relief operations by the IAF.