Indian Navy to provide humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Mozambique
The ships of First Training Squadron of Indian Navy operating in the Southern Indian Ocean were diverted to Port Beira, on request from the Government of Mozambique.
The Indian Navy was requested to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to the local population post-cyclone ‘IDAI’, which struck the Mozambique coast on 15th March.
INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul are providing necessary support to the local administration. Cyclone ‘IDAI’ made landfall at Beira, causing widespread damage and loss of human life in the Central and Northern provinces.
About 5000 personnel are also reportedly marooned at Buzi, near Port Beira requiring immediate evacuation.
The safe evacuation by the Indian Navy(IN) ships is being coordinated in consultation with local authorities. The disembarkation of HADR stores including food, medicines and clothing to the Mozambique Defence authorities has been completed.
Arrangements are in progress to disembark potable water.The Defence Minister of Mozambique also visited IN ships to oversee the relief efforts.
The helicopter from INS Shardul is operating from the local airport for recce and SAR. The boats, Landing Craft Assault and Gemini rubberised craft with divers would be used to render assistance for evacuation of marooned personnel.
