India launches relief operation for tsunami-hit Indonesia
New Delhi, Oct 3 : India on Wednesday launched 'Operation Samudra Maitri' to assist the survivors of last week's earthquake and consequent tsunami in Central Sulawesi province of Indonesia.
"Two IAF aircraft -- a C-130J and a C-17 -- carrying medical personnel and relief material flew today (Wednesday) morning for humanitarian assistance," an External Affairs Ministry statement said.
The C-130J aircraft is carrying a medical team on board along with tents and equipment to set up a field hospital. The C-17 aircraft is carrying medicines, generators, tents and water to provide immediate assistance.
"Indian naval ships INS Tir, INS Sujatha and INS Shardul have also been mobilised for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," it said. These ships are likely to reach Central Sulawesi on October 6.
"The operation was launched after a telephonic conversation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on October 1, and following Indonesia's acceptance of international aid," it stated.
At least 1,347 people were killed in the devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit Sulawesi island last Friday. The number of dead was expected to climb, officials said.
An estimated 2.4 million people were affected, 61,867 displaced and 66,000 homes destroyed, officials said.
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency said hundreds of people were still feared trapped under the rubble of damaged buildings.
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Commuters bear brunt as labour union protest halts traffic at Delhi-Noida border
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New Delhi (PTI): Commuters faced a harrowing morning on Monday as a massive traffic jam brought vehicular movement to a near standstill at the Delhi-Noida border following a protest by a labour union demanding a salary hike.
The protest, which began early in the day, led to congestion on key arterial roads connecting Delhi and Noida, including NH 9, severely disrupting the office rush hour.
Long queues of vehicles were seen stretching for several kilometres, with many commuters stranded for hours.
A police source said that members of the labour union from Uttar Pradesh gathered near the border area were staging a demonstration, blocking portions of the road and slowing down traffic movement.
"Personnel from the Delhi Police and Noida Police were deployed to manage the situation and divert traffic, but the heavy volume of vehicles compounded the chaos," the source said.
Frustrated commuters took to social media platform X, urging authorities to intervene and clear the roads. Many complained of being stuck in unmoving traffic despite starting early to avoid peak-hour congestion.
An employee of a private company said she left her home at around 7:30 am but remained stuck in traffic for over an hour without any significant movement.
"There is no movement at all. People are getting down from vehicles and trying to figure out what's happening ahead," she said.
Authorities said efforts were underway to clear the congestion and restore smooth traffic flow as soon as possible.
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