India has become the first country to reach out to flood-ravaged Madagascar with operation Vanilla, deputing its ship INS Airavat to support the cyclone hit country. The ship is carrying five pallets each of victualing, clothing and naval stores along with three pallets of medicines.

The ship will reach the country on Wednesday to provide clothing, emergency food, temporary shelters, medical assistance and carry out transportation and evacuation of personnel using four large and two medium-sized boats.

Almost 92,000 people have been impacted by the flooding, and many displaced with loss of life. President of Madagascar has requested for international support. INS Airav at will be deployed to Antsiranana, a port in northern Madagascar for Humanitarian Assistance & disaster relief mission.