India gives $250,000 to Vanuatu for relief

India on Wednesday released an immediate cash assistance of $250,000 to Vanuatu to help in relief and rehabilitation efforts following the cyclone that struck the South Pacific Ocean island nation last week.

In a statement, the government said it was "deeply saddened by the tragedy caused by the category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam, which struck Vanuatu from March 13, leading to loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. The scale of the disaster is growing as basic infrastructure and livelihood has been severely impacted."

"Keeping in view the friendly bilateral relations and also the humanitarian situation, in the wake of the cyclone, the government of India stands ready to extend any further assistance required by the people of Vanuatu in this hour of need," it said.