New Delhi, October 4: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a disaster and humanitarian relief mission to earthquake-hit Indonesia. The earthquake followed by a tsunami caused massive destruction in the country. The IAF C-130J aircraft with thirty-seven medical personnel and C-17 aircraft carrying relief material landed in Balikpapan yesterday. The Aircraft were offloaded and relief material was handed over to Indonesian authorities. Earthquake and Tsunami in Indonesia: Indian Air Force Embarks on a Relief Mission to the Island Country, View Pics.

"The C-130J carrying 37 medical personnel has taken off from Hindon air base for Chennai. From Chennai, the aircraft will take off for Kualanamu International Airport and then move to Palu, Indonesia," the official said. The aircraft were carrying tents, medicines, fuel, ration etc. The aircraft contained around 16 tonnes of medicines and 15.66 tonnes of tentage. Indonesia which has been hit by earthquake and tsunami has claimed more than 1,400 people has lost their lives. Indonesia Tsunami Death Toll Rises to 1,424, Palu City Worst Hit.

It has been around three days after the disaster struck the city of Palu, with a population of 3,80,000 people. Authorities have said that some remote areas are yet to be contacted. The National Agency of Disaster Management (NADM) said that at least 113 people are still missing. The NADM added that 1,047 peoples body were found buried in mass graves. Meanwhile, the aftermath of disasters includes diseases, property loss and there have been also cases of looting.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2018 10:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).