Stepping up its assistance to quake-hit China, India is sending three fresh planeloads of supplies including medicines, tents and temporary shelters to the affected Sichuan province.

With the casualties mounting in the province to over 71,000, officials on Tuesday said three more giant IL-76 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) would be flying to Chengdu in the next three days with 200 tonnes of relief supplies.

An IL-76 aircraft would take off from Kanpur on Wednesday and another two on Thursday and Friday carrying tents and medicines, IAF officials said.

India has already flown 64 tonnes of relief material to China over the past three days. "We may send more assistance, if there is request from the Chinese authorities," officials said.

Beijing has appreciated India's support and assistance for quake victims.

China's appreciation were conveyed to India's Ambassador Nirupama Rao by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi during her visit to the Foreign Office to write in a condolence book for foreign diplomats.