Zimbabwe: 10 000 Tonnes Relief Aid for Freddy-Hit Malawi


Zimbabwe is giving Malawi prompt emergency support as that country copes with the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy which hit with full force claiming over 300 lives and causing widespread damage, with a relief package being quickly assembled, Cabinet has resolved.

Government is responding to the call by Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera to his SADC counterparts.

Along with prompt food, clothing and blankets, plus hygiene and school materials, the Government will also be co-ordinating the delivery of additional support it hopes the private sector and others in Zimbabwe will want to give Malawi.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said President Mnangagwa led Cabinet in crafting a plan to render humanitarian assistance to Malawi following the recent devastation by Cyclone Freddy.

“The cyclone claimed over 300 lives and caused extensive damage to homes and social services infrastructure. Thousands of victims suffered injury and displacement, while the affected areas were rendered impassable,” she said.

In response to the appeal for assistance, Cabinet had constituted a disaster relief committee led by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to draw up a comprehensive assistance package for disaster-stricken Malawi.

The ministry is the one that co-ordinates disaster relief within Zimbabwe and has the expertise and resources for this work and detailed knowledge of what those coping with the aftermath of a cyclone really need.