New Delhi: Indian Navy Ship Airavat, whilst mission deployed in the Southern Indian Ocean has been diverted to Antsiranana based on a request received from Madagascar. The ship will undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission as part of ‘Operation Vanilla’ which has been launched to provide assistance to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane.
During the port call, the ship, in coordination with Embassy of India and Government of Madagascar is planned to undertake relief operations to provide succour to the flood-affected populace. The Indian Navy Ship is geared to set up medical camp and provide food, water and other necessary relief material.
According to local reports, more than 92,000 people have been affected, displaced and more than 30 people have been killed by the tropical cyclone Ava
The situation is being monitored and the Indian Navy is prepared to render all necessary assistance to the local population in Madagascar in the shape of Operation Vanilla.
Tropical Cyclone Ava passed through Madagascar on Friday and Saturday, hitting mostly the eastern coast of the island with wind speeds of between 140-190 kph (87-119 mph) and killed at least 29 people, a Reuters report said. According to local reports more than 92,000 people have been affected by the cyclone. In a tweet on 25 Jan, the president of Madagascar had requested international mobilisation for the national disaster that has struck the country.
The assistance to Madagascar is in consonance with Prime Minister (Narendra Modis) vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR).
