27/03/2013 - Heavy rains have pounded Southern African countries resulting in widespread flooding, destruction of property, and loss of lives. The floods took place in the midst of the lean season, in a situation of acute food insecurity affecting millions of people through the region. In Mozambique, the worst hit country, more than 250,000 people, mostly women and children, are affected by the crisis with about 190,000 temporary displaced since January 2013. Malawi, Botswana, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe have also been affected by the floods. Cyclone Haruna also brought destruction to Madagascar. About 40,000 people have been affected by floods. There have been loss of harvest and destroyed homes in this cyclone prone country.
The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) has supported the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Malawi, Madagascar, Botswana, Zambia, and Seychelles, activating a series of emergency grants targeting the most vulnerable. ECHO has contributed to these operations with a total of 400 000 Euros. The funds will meet the immediate life-saving needs such as providing clean water, shelter, medicines, and food security support but will also equip the national societies of the Red Cross to respond better in the event of future crisis.
These latest contributions complement the financial decisions previously approved: a 3 million Emergency Decision to cover the needs in Mozambique and 300 000 Euros to respond to Cyclone Haruna.