UNHCR sends core relief items to Cyclone Idai survivors in Mozambique and Zimbabwe
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sallam Sallam
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, sent today Tuesday a shipment of core relief items from its Global Stockpile in Dubai to Maputo, Mozambique to provide emergency relief assistance to those affected by Cyclone Idai, which struck the eastern coast of Southern Africa during the night of 14-15 March, causing flooding in parts of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. A second shipment will be dispatched to Harare, Zimbabwe on Sunday 31st March, with freight support from the International Humanitarian City in Dubai
The two shipments include more than 10,000 blankets, 10,000 sleeping mats, 2,000 kitchen sets, 420 family tents, 1000 solar lamps, 4,000 jerry cans, 4,000 mosquito nets and 2,000 buckets, and are expected to respond to the needs of nearly 20,000 people affected by the cyclone
“The scale of the humanitarian disaster in Southern Africa is still unknown. However, it is clear that Cyclone Idai has caused enormous destruction and displaced tens of thousands of persons. Given the difficult conditions, it is critical that we get shelter materials to the affected area as soon as possible”, said Toby Harward, UNHCR Head of Office in the United Arab Emirates. “UNHCR is very grateful to the International Humanitarian City and the UAE Government for its support transporting emergency relief items to Zimbabwe”, he added
In Mozambique, the government has declared a national emergency as the death toll from the Cyclone climbs above the reported 242 and is expected to exceed 1,000
In Zimbabwe, the government has declared a state of disaster, and 104 people are reported to have died as a result of the cyclone. Two districts are reported to have been severely affected, including Chipinge District, host to Tongogara refugee camp
The UNHCR Global Stockpile in Dubai was established in 2006 as part of the International Humanitarian City, which is an initiative by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
