India sends relief to Myanmar

India on Monday dispatched two naval ships, loaded with food, clothes, medicines and blankets, to cyclone-hit Myanmar...

India on Monday dispatched two naval ships, loaded with food, clothes, medicines and blankets, to cyclone-hit Myanmar for relief assistance.

The Indian Navy had ships at both Visakhapatnam and Port Blair on high alert since May 1, when the cyclone first approached the Myanmar coast. Both ships — INS Rana and INS Kirpan — will reach Yangon early on Wednesday morning.

“In keeping with India’s friendly ties with the people of Myanmar, the Indian Government is providing immediate relief assistance to Myanmar,” the MEA spokesperson said in an official statement.

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“The President, Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have each sent messages expressing their distress at the devastation caused by this natural disaster and conveying their condolences to the Government and the people of Myanmar. They have also conveyed India’s readiness to provide immediate emergency relief assistance in Myanmar’s rehabilitation efforts,” the spokesperson added.

A severe cyclone hit Myanmar on May 2 and 3, causing death and devastation, particularly in Yangon and the Irrawaddy Delta. Over 350 people are reported to be dead, several thousands have been rendered homeless and infrastructure has been severely damaged.