India donates cash to cyclone-struck Vanuatu

India has released an immediate cash assistance of 250,000 U.S. dollars to Vanuatu to help in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The donation came after the cyclone struck the South Pacific Ocean island nation last week.

In a statement, the Indian government said Wednesday night 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. Endi