Pranab condoles deaths, destruction in Vanuatu

President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday condoled the deaths and large scale destruction caused by a cyclone in the south Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.

In his message to Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale, Mukherjee said: "I was deeply concerned to learn of the loss of life and large scale destruction caused by the cyclone."

"I extend, on behalf of the government and people of India, deepest condolences to the government and people of Vanuatu. Our sympathies and prayers are with the bereaved and displaced families," he said in the message.

Mukherjee said that while relief and rescue efforts were going on, "I am confident that the government and people of Vanuatu will overcome the devastation caused by the disaster with fortitude and determination.

He said the people of India "stand by the people of Vanuatu at this difficult time".