Disasters Emergency Committee appeal

International Development Minister Ben Macpherson has announced £150,000 to support relief efforts in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe following Cyclone Idai.

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. 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.

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 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, Mr Macpherson 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 Scottish 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. 

“The response from our members and partners on the ground over the weekend will be vital in saving and protecting lives so please donate now.”

Background

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.

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 total support provided in response to the flooding crisis in south east Africa is £325,000.