Chandigarh, September 1:Extending humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Punjab Red Cross today dispatched three trucks carrying relief material for the Nepal Red Cross. The Governor of Punjab and President of the Punjab Red Cross, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, flagged off the trucks from Punjab Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh.

The three trucks are carrying ready-to-eat food items, ration, clothes and other essential relief material, keeping in view the immediate requirements of the flood-affected people. The estimated value of the first consignment dispatched today is more than Rs 10 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said that the Punjab Red Cross and the people of Punjab stand in complete solidarity with the flood-affected communities of Nepal. He said that Nepal is a close friend and neighbouring country of India, and extending assistance to its people in this hour of crisis is a humanitarian responsibility.

He said that the Punjab Red Cross has established coordination with the Nepal Red Cross and is continuously receiving information regarding the items required for relief operations in Nepal. He added that the next consignment of relief material would be dispatched in accordance with the revised list of requirements and demands received from Nepal.

The Governor said that, in addition to the relief material being sent at present, the Punjab Red Cross plans to provide overall relief assistance worth approximately Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The assistance would be provided in a phased manner in accordance with the actual requirements and demands of the Nepal Red Cross.

Shri Kataria said that during such a natural disaster, all sections of society, institutions and organisations should come forward to help the affected people. He added that several institutions and individuals have also approached the Punjab Red Cross to contribute towards the relief efforts.

He further said that the Punjab Red Cross is in constant touch with the National Headquarters as well as the Nepal Red Cross to ensure that items urgently required for relief and rescue operations are supplied on a priority basis.