The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received more than US$250k from the European Union to help provide humanitarian assistance in the wake of the devastating Cyclone Idai that has left hundreds dead and many still missing in Zimbabwe.
In a statement WFP said the funds – a total of US$284 414 were channeled through the EU’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO).
The department has also deployed a helicopter to assist in delivering assistance such as food, medicine, shelter equipment and nutritional supplements.
It will also transport personnel to greatly affected areas such as Chimanimani and Chipinge.
“WFP is grateful to the European Union for its generous support to our recovery operations to address urgent logistical needs,” said Mr Eddie Rowe, WFP Representative and Country Director.
“Thanks to this timely contribution, WFP, along with the support of the Government of Zimbabwe and first responders, will be in a position to step up humanitarian relief to those areas worst-affected by Cyclone Idai,” he added.
WFP, according to the statement noted that it had plans to mount an emergency operation to provide food assistance to approximately 270 000 people in various districts affected by the cyclone for three months. It mentioned that it would also be working with relevant government organs to mitigate food deficit.
“Following its landfall in Mozambique on 14 March, Cyclone Idai continued across land as a tropical storm and devastated eastern Zimbabwe with heavy rains and strong winds.
“The storm caused massive destruction. Roads and bridges, particularly in the district of Chimanimani, were washed away and communities left stranded. In Zimbabwe, 250 000 people have been affected and at least 154 deaths have been reported by the government,” read the report.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonen, who is visiting the affected parts of the country Wednesday said he believed the helicopter, would make a great and crucial difference in relief operations.
“The humanitarian teams are now able to reach the victims in the most remote areas, supply them with relief items, including medicines, shelter kits and hygiene packs, and to assist medical evacuation where needed. Flying into the affected areas will also help us gathering a better picture of the extent of damage and devastation and to coordinate further assistance,” he said.
