The SNP Government has announced £150,000 to support relief efforts in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe following Cyclone Idai and encourages member of the public who wishes to do so, to make a donation.
More than 400,000 people have lost their homes and vital infrastructure has been destroyed by major flooding. At least 480 people have lost their lives.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launched a fundraising appeal on Thursday 21 March following the cyclone that has left a trail of destruction in the south east African countries.
DEC members and partners are working on the ground to provide urgent health assistance, food aid, water purification tablets and temporary shelter. Funding of £100,000 has been given to the appeal from the international development budget.
A further £50,000 has been allocated from the SNP Government’s Climate Justice Fund to support emergency flood relief in Malawi, securing water supplies and treating contamination. This is in addition to £175,000 announced on 14 March, and will be delivered through University of Strathclyde’s HydroNation programme.
Announcing the funding, International Development Minister Ben Macpherson MSP said:
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the terrible consequences of Cyclone Idai, and as an outward-looking, compassionate country it is right that we do what we can to support the international response to this humanitarian emergency.
“This funding will help aid agencies in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to deliver life-saving support to local families and communities in desperate need, as will all public donations to the DEC Scotland appeal.”
Sally Foster Fulton, Head of Christian Aid and DEC Scotland Chairperson for the Cyclone Idai Appeal, said:
“The DEC in Scotland is delighted that the SNP Government has made available this extra funding. The Scottish public are already responding generously, as always, and we’re sure this extra boost will inspire others to dig deep in the coming days."
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“The thought of 400,000 people in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe losing the roofs above their heads flooding, puts any political quibbles here in Europe into perspective.
“My thoughts are with the 480 people who did not survive and their loved ones.”
“If you should wish to make a donation to the DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal, visit www.dec.org.uk or call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 610.”
The DEC brings together 14 major UK aid agencies: Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.
ENDS
