US provides K81 million towards disaster relief
The United States (US) government has provided $100 000 (about K81 million) to meet the country’s immediate humanitarian needs resulting from floods that hit southern Malawi.
A statement from the US Embassy in Lilongwe released yesterday said the assistance comes in response to President Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration of state of disaster and request for donor assistance.
The statement further said the US Agency for International Development (USAid) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) were partnering with the government of Malawi to provide flood-displaced populations with urgently needed shelter, water, and sanitation and hygiene supplies.
The US assistance will also help protect Malawians temporarily living in evacuation camps.
Reads the statement in part: “Usaid, in partnership with CRS, will provide 1 000 flood-affected households with wash kits so that they can safely gather and store potable water.
“To help mitigate health risks associated with the flooding, Usaid is offering hygiene promotion to more than 2,000 people. The donation will also provide flood-affected households with relief items such as blankets and kitchen utensils.”
The US has also pledged to promote safety, dignity, and equitable access, especially for the most vulnerable, including elderly people, women, and children assistance in evacuation camps.
“Once displaced persons can safely return to their communities, Usaid will provide them with construction materials so that they can rebuild their homes
The US government is committed to supporting the Malawian people to respond to and recover from the disastrous results of Tropical Storm Ana,” it reads.
On January 26, President Chakwera declared State of Disaster in all districts affected by floods in the southern part of Malawi as a result of Tropical Storm Ana which has so far killed 38 people, according to latest figures from the Department of Disaster management Affairs (Dodma). The President pleaded for aid, saying the country was in a crisis and needed support to assist close to one million people affected by the storm.
