New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday called an emergency meeting of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) after a powerful earthquake hit northeastern India.


The prime minister also spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

"The prime minister offered all help. He has directed the cabinet secretary to call an emergency meeting of NDMA,” an official spokesman said.

The Indian Air Force is rushing five cargo planes to the northeast with relief material and personnel.

These include two C-130 J planes which will head to Darjeeling in West Bengal and two AN-32 aircraft which will proceed to from Agra to Kolkata.

They will carry relief material and personnel of the National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF). The men will proceed from Bagdogra to Gangtok by road.

An Avro-1 plane is also leaving from Delhi with relief material.