Car Nicobar, Dec. 28 (PTI): A massive relief and rescue operation has been mounted by the Unified Command amidst revelation of an unprecedented magnitude of destruction and loss of life by the killer tsunami in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.

More than 5000 people from different islands were still missing with very little chance of survival while the confirmed death toll in different islands stood at 3000, a senior police official told PTI today.

The extent of damages and loss of life in a number of inhabited islands in the Nancowry group of islands, which had been first hit by the gigantic waves, were yet to be assessed as the rescue teams were still to reach there, he said.

"Today an aerial survey of the Kachal island, inhabited by around 5000 people, was made and at least half of the population was found to be missing," the official said.

He said that almost every hour rescue teams were stumbling upon more damage and destruction at different islands raising fears of a higher number of casualties.

"Any estimate of loss of life and damages at this stage may be only fifty per cent of the total destruction," he said.

The Unified Command of the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard has launched a massive rescue and relief operation from Car Nicobar island, which had an IAF base which was completely devastated.

More than 30 sorties were flown by AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft during the day to evacuate people from here and also to bring in relief materials like water, food and medicines.