Pakistan 1970

International Operation Name: N/A

International Operation Dates:  N/A

Mandating Organization: Government of Canada

Region Name:  Asia

Location:  Pakistan

Canadian Operation Name: (Pakistan 1970)

Canadian Operation Dates: 1970/11/21 – 1970/11/30

Mission Mandate:

To provide humanitarian aid after a typhoon hit the region.

Mission Notes:

A cyclone with winds of up to 240 km/h struck the Bay of Bengal on the night of 12-13 November 1970. The storm surge, with 10 to 18 metre high waves, hit East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), killing an estimated 200,000 (some sources say up to 500,000) with another 100,000 reported missing. Another 2.5 million people were left homeless. The rain from the cyclone and the storm surge caused the Ganges river to overflow, causing even greater damage.

In the aftermath, British Hercules aircraft began flying in supplies while 700 Royal Marines joined in the rescue operations. The US Air Force flew in helicopters in C-141 Starlifters, while West Germany provided tons of supplies.

On 21 November, a 437 Squadron Boeing left CFB Trenton with aid supplies. In the coming weeks, 437 Squadron Yukon aircraft carried out a further 12 flights, with each of the four Yukons making three trips. Altogether, they carried over 207 tons of blankets, food, medicine and tents.