Chennai, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, on Saturday initiated a significant dispatch of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, which is currently suffering from the severe consequences of Cyclone Ditwah.

In total, 950 tonnes of vital relief supplies were sent aboard two vessels of the Indian Navy from the ports of Chennai and Thoothukudi, making this one of the largest single aid consignments dispatched by the state to an international disaster area.

Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, displacing thousands, and inflicting extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure, and livelihoods.

In light of the extensive humanitarian crisis, the government of Tamil Nadu organized immediate aid through various departments, working closely with the Indian Navy for swift deployment.

At Chennai's port, CM Stalin sent off a naval ship carrying 300 tonnes of sugar, 300 tonnes of pulses, 25 tonnes of milk powder, along with 5,000 dhotis, 5,000 sarees, 10,000 towels, 10,000 blankets, and 1,000 tarpaulins.

Officials indicated that these supplies were specifically chosen to address the critical daily requirements of affected families, particularly those in temporary accommodations.

In addition, another naval vessel departed from Thoothukudi carrying 150 tonnes of sugar and 150 tonnes of dal, further enhancing Tamil Nadu's relief efforts to the island nation.

In a gesture symbolizing solidarity with the Sri Lankan populace, the Chief Minister presented a sample relief kit to Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner, who expressed appreciation for Tamil Nadu's rapid and generous support.

High-ranking officials and dignitaries were present at both ports, indicating the significance and scale of the operation.

Ministers P.K. Sekarbabu and S.M. Nasar, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, were in attendance.

In Thoothukudi, Ministers P. Geetha Jeevan and Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, along with Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, supervised the dispatch.

The Tamil Nadu government declared that this relief operation showcases both India's and the state's enduring relationship with Sri Lanka and reaffirms the commitment to provide timely humanitarian aid during crises.

With the launch of these vessels, Tamil Nadu aims to expedite the distribution of aid in Sri Lanka as the nation continues its large-scale recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the catastrophic impacts of Cyclone Ditwah.