Mumbai: The Indian Navy has launched a humanitarian mission in Madagascar. Bad weather has displaced nearly 107,000 people there, with Prime Minister Christian Ntsay declaring the situation a "national disaster". At least 31 people have been killed and over a hundred thousand people displaced by heavy rains and flooding in the southern African island nation.
 
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "In this time of national disaster, we stand in solidarity with Madagascar." Singh said.
 
"Indian Navy has launched 'Operation Vanilla' in support of the national disaster in Madagascar. INS Airavat, which was Mission Deployed, has been diverted for the same," Indian Navy said in a statement.