Mozambique: Three Indian Navy ships arrive at Port Beira with relief material

In the wake of Cyclone Idai hitting the Mozambican coast, three Indian Navy ships have reached Port Beira with relief material, providing humanitarian assistance to the disaster-affected areas. The first training squadron of the Indian Navy -- Sujata, Sarathi and Shardul -- operating in the Southern Indian Ocean, were diverted to Port Beira, following a request received from the government of Mozambique. INS Sujata, along with ICGS Sarathi, arrived at Port Beira in the morning of March 18, while INS Shardul arrived on March 19. They are providing necessary support to the local administration, an official statement said.

Cyclone Idai made landfall at Beira, Mozambique, in early hours of March 15. The Defence Minister of Mozambique visited the Indian naval ships to oversee the relief efforts. The ships are likely to set up 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, the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies.)