BRINDISI, MARCH 25 – Italy’s Agency for Cooperation and Development has exported their first shipment of needed humanitarian aid to cyclone-affected Mozambique. The cargo of emergency relief aid has departed from the United Nation’s humanitarian base (UNHRD) in Brindisi and headed to Mozambique that is reeling from the disaster caused by cyclone Idai.
The relief ordered by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Emanuela Del Re, consist of 12 tons of food, shelter materials such as tents, blankets, water, and generators. Members of the International Migration Organization will receive the aid in Beira and proceed to distribute it to affected peoples. The aid departed Brindisi on the night of March 24 onboard an Antonov 12 aircraft. The operation was administered by personal from UNHRD and Italy’s air force.
The United Nations has launched a 282 million dollar, three-month, assistance package for Mozambique. Cyclone Idai made landfall on March 14 around Beira, one of the largest cities in the country. The strong winds were followed by massive flooding that has wiped out houses and critical infrastructure. The storm has also caused damage in parts of Malawi and Zimbabwe.
