Cyclone Idai: India sends fourth ship to Mozambique for rescue operation

The Indian Navy has sent another Indian Navy ship INS MAGAR into service to help people affected by Cyclone Idai, which has triggered a massive disaster, causing widespread flooding and devastation in Mozambique.

The ship contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials & clothing items and would cater to approximately 1000 persons for 7 days. The essential items include 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines & 400 tonnes of rice.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, New Delhi had sent three Indian naval ships to the country-- INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul which are currently undertaking Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief operations in coordination with local authorities & Indian High Commission. 

The three Indian Navy ships so far have been able to rescue 192 people & provide medical assistance to 1381 persons in medical camps.

Meanwhile, Indian helicopters are helping in the evacuation of people by facilitating aerial survey and are also dropping of food & water packets in areas inaccessible to reach on foot.

The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone.

At least 417 people have died in Mozambique, according to government, bringing to 676 the total deaths when combined with those from neighbouring Zimbabwe.