New Delhi: New Delhi has rushed in 182 tonnes of relief material to Pakistan through rail services besides dispatch of medicines and air hospital by the Air Force today.
In a gesture that will help thaw the longstanding and bitter rivalry between both the nations, ?the train to Pakistan? is carrying food, tents and medicines for the thousands who have been left devastated by the massive earthquake that struck on October 8.
A third consignment comprising medicines, high-energy biscuits and tents will also be sent by train because of the increased international traffic at Islamabad airport.
The Pakistani train driver Mohammad Riaz, who will be transferring the relief material, said that things have changed in India and Pakistan after the earthquake.
?There is a sense of great gratitude that our neighbours have offered us help in this hour of need,?he added.
Meanwhile an American flagship unloaded heavy military equipment at the Karachi port on Monday.
The equipment included two bulldozers, ten dumper trucks, one water purification unit and seven heavy power generators.
This consignment will reach northern Pakistan via land route by Thursday.
So far, the quake has killed 41,000 people in Pakistan and injured 67,000 and despite international help, many more are likely to die before aid reaches them.
Bad weather is hampering the flight of helicopters, which are the only means to reach remote villages.
The government estimates damage from the quake at about $5 billion. So far more than $500 million has been pledged from around the world for the survivors but the United Nations estimates that much more will be needed for a massive reconstruction effort.
The United Nations has scheduled an international aid conference on October 24 to bring together donor countries, international aid agencies and other relief groups.
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