INS Trikand swings into action, provides assistance to victims of Ambilobe fire in Africa

Indian Navy ship 'Trikand' of the Western Fleet, which is on a goodwill visit to East Africa and Southern Indian Ocean, provided assistance to the victims of Ambilobe fire disaster in Madagascar.

The ship was at Antsiranana from August 31 to September 3 to further bilateral ties with Madagascar.

The recent calamity in the city, about 140 km from Antsiranana, saw bush fires resulting in extensive damage to property and livelihood.

In support of the government and the people of Madagascar, the Indian Navy swung into immediate action to provide succor to more than five thousand affected citizens.

INS Trikand donated essential food items and medicines to the affected people.

Storage of Humanitarian Assistance Disaster (HADR) material on ships is a standard operating procedure (SOP) and all operational ships carry it, said a defence press release.