IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft evacuates 76 Indians; Sends 15 tons of medical relief to coronavirus-hit Wuhan
27 Feb 2020 10:44:10
New Delhi, February 27: After sending the Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft to coronavirus-hit Wuhan on Wednesday night, it evacuated 76 Indian and 36 foreign nationals and have arrived safely in New Delhi on Thursday early morning. The aircraft also supplied 15 tons of medical assistance to Wuhan responding to a request sent from the Chinese side to tackle the challenges posed after the outbreak of COVID-19.
The EAM Dr. Jaishankar expressing the solidarity with China confirmed the news. The aircraft, on return, brought back 36 foreign citizens including from China (06), Bangladesh (23), Maldives (02), Myanmar (02), South Africa (01), Madagascar (01) and United States (01). "All the evacuated passengers will have to undergo 14 days quarantine after their arrival in New Delhi. The evacuees have been tested negative for COVID-19. All those on the first two flights have tested negative for COVID-19 and have since left the quarantine facilities. The passengers on board the third flight will also undergo similar quarantine on arrival in India", the statement in relation noted.
On its return from Wuhan, the IAF flight has brought back 76 Indians & 36 nationals from 7 countries - Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar. Appreciate facilitation by Chinese government.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 27, 2020
Before bringing back the passengers, the IAF sent 15 tons of medical assistance including masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment for Chinese healthcare professionals. These supplies were handed over yesterday to the Hubei Charity Federation.
The Air India flight along with 119 Indian nationals (113 crew members and 6 passengers) also evacuated 4 foreign nationals including 2 Sri Lankans, 1 Nepalese, 1 South African and 1 Peruvian. "All the evacuees from Japan will undergo a 14-day-quarantine at the quarantine facility set up by the Indian Army in Manesar, Haryana. They are receiving necessary medical care and treatment at onshore medical facilities in Japan. The Indian Embassy in Tokyo is in contact with these individuals and is continuously following-up on their recovery", the statement added.
Several Indian students were pursuing their education in Hubei province which is also a virus-hit area and their families in India were concerned after the outbreak of the virus. After the Indian Embassy in China co-operated with the Chinese government, India evacuated all these people safely. However, earlier this month, they helped to mount two evacuation flights out of Wuhan, bringing back 647 citizens and 7 foreign nationals on board Air India.