Indian Navy Is The First Responder To The Nations Hit By Cyclone In South East Africa

India became the first country to respond by providing assistance to South East African nations — Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar, which were hit by the Cyclone ‘IDAI’.

To provide instant help, Indian Naval ships which were already operation in the Southern Indian Ocean were diverted immediately to Port Beira in Mozambique to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

It was decided to rush — INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul–in response to the request received from Mozambique government. The Category Four cyclone stuck on March 15 and caused massive damage in central and northern provinces Mozambique while causing large scale devastation in the city of Beira.

INS Sujata along with INS Sarathi arrived at Port Beira morning of March 18 while INS Shardul arrived on March 19.

The disembarkation of HADR stores including food, medicines and clothing to the Mozambique Defence authorities has been completed, and arrangements are in progress to disembark potable water, says the Indian Navy.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the hour of tragedy, the government of India stands ready to extend support to the affected people.

India has always reached out to the region whenever they have needed assistance. In 2016, when there was a drought in Mozambique, India had provided $10 million for buying of essential grains including wheat and had also donated around 100 tons of essential medicines and Transport vehicles for the country’s Health and Interior ministry.

Role of Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is providing necessary support to the local administration and on arrival shifted from anchorage and berthed alongside taking advantage of the tide and commenced liaison work with local authorities immediately.

Cyclone ‘IDAI’ made landfall at Beira, Mozambique causing huge devastation, and large scale damage to the infrastructure, 5000 personnel marooned at Buzi near Port Beira. The Indian Navy with the help of the local authorities safely evacuated the affected personnel.

The Defence Minister of Mozambique visited Indian Naval ships to oversee the relief efforts. The Senior Officer of First Training Squadron, Capt Varun Singh, embarked onboard IN Ship Sujata and has indicated to the Mozambique Navy that no effort would be spared by in providing HADR/ SAR effort.

Besides the helicopter from IN Ship Shardul operating from the local airport for reccee and SAR, boats, Landing Craft Assault and Gemini rubberised craft with divers are expected to be put into use for rendering assistance for evacuation of marooned personnel.

The Indian navy is also likely to setup medical camps and provide food, water, blankets and other necessary relief items, as required by the local authorities. The situation is being monitored closely and the Indian Navy is prepared to render all necessary assistance to the local population in Mozambique.

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Source:FE

Image Courtesy:TH

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