UNICEF to Airlift 90 Tones of Relief Supplies to Flood Victims
As
heavy rains continue to fall in Malawi, UNICEF is stepping up its relief
efforts, airlifting an initial 90 tons of supplies, as it seeks to reach those
most in need.
UNICEF
in a statement released on Monday 19th January 2015 says is this
week airlifting 90 tons of relief supplies including: essential medicines,
tents and tarpaulins, therapeutic food and milk for treating malnutrition,
hygiene kits and education and play supplies to aid children’s psychosocial
recovery.
The
statement has indicated that UNICEF is working through its teams on the ground
in Blantyre and Zomba to deliver life-saving interventions to those in the
hardest hit districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe all in the Shire River Basin.
The
response is focused on displaced women and children, the UN Children’s Agency
is supporting partners including the Government of Malawi, to provide clean
water and temporary sanitation, monitor the nutritional status of children -
and treat severe cases - and distribute essential medicines for women and
children.
“After
surveying the flooded districts from the air, we know that the scale of
flooding is immense, and with the rains still falling, the water is unlikely to
recede quickly,” said UNICEF’s Representative in Malawi, Mahimbo Mdoe in the
statement. “UNICEF is focused in this
initial phase on ensuring those who have survived the raging waters are
supported with their essential needs such as clean water and health care.”
Mdoe
said UNICEF will be quick in its response to reach displaced communities with
clean water, sanitation and medical supplies because stagnant water and poor
sanitation can be deadly for young children.
The
Malawi Government is leading the coordination mechanism for response
initiatives with UN Agencies and NGOs as co-leads.
Heavy
rains this season, has left over 50 people dead and government estimate 27,000 households
(approx 135,000 people) to have been
displaced since the floods hit the country. Reports are indicating that some families
are still trapped in areas surrounded by water, waiting for air or water rescue
by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). Displaced communities are being housed in
schools or ad hoc camps, with a shortage of decent shelter and sanitation
facilities.
On
Tuesday 13th January 2015, in accordance with powers conferred upon him
by Section 32(1) of the Disaster Preparedness and Relief Act, President
Professor Peter Mutharika declared all the districts that have been affected by
floods Disaster Areas, with immediate effect.
Due
to the increasing number of affected people making relief requirements also to
increase, President Mutharika also appealed for humanitarian assistance, from
the International donor community, the relevant United Nations agencies, the
Non Governmental Organisations, the local private sector as well as all fellow
citizens of goodwills as additional resources are required to provide
assistance to all the affected people.
