The Government of India has announced that it will provide 80 tons of relief items to the Malawi Government, which is currently battling the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

Following the destruction the cyclone made to property and lives, President Chakwera declared a state of disaster as part of an appeal for national and international assistance for the victims of the cyclone.

So far, several organizations have started responding to the call, with India being the latest country to offer its helping hand to the Malawi Government.

On Sunday afternoon, the Indian High Commissioner to Malawi S. Gopalakrishnan presented 11 tons of relief items to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Simplex Chithyola Banda, at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA).

Gopalakrishnan said the donation comprises tarpaulins, blankets and powdered milk and was in response to an appeal by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to the world to help his government with financial and material resources for responding to social and nutritional needs of the survivors.

He assured the Malawi Government that his government will continue assisting it where a need arises.

“India and Malawi are in strong bilateral relationship that dates back to 1964 when the country attained its independence. We believe the world is a one family and that when a member of the family is hit by a crisis, everyone is affected,” he said.

The High Commissioner disclosed that the remaining consignment of the relief items will arrive in Malawi soon.

In his remarks, Chithyola Banda thanked the Government of India for the support, saying it will go a long way in providing care and support to the survivors.

He assured the High Commissioner that the government will ensure the items reach the deserving beneficiaries.

“On behalf of the President of this country, High Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, and the Malawi Government, I am very grateful to the Government of India for this donation. The donation signifies the strength of the relationship between Malawi and India,” said Chithyola Banda.