Tanzania is first African nation to send relief to three neighbours ravaged by Cyclone Idai

After the tropical cyclone Idai barreled across the southern African nations with flash floods and ferocious winds, Tanzanian government has responded by providing food and medicine to affected nations where more than 1,000 people are reported to have lost their lives.

According to Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, a total of 24 tons of medicine are dispatched along with 17 tons of rice and 200 tons of maize to help thousands of people displaced by the floods.

Professor Kabudi explained on Tuesday that the assistance was given by the Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli after he learned the news of the hurricane, adding that the country has a responsibility to deal with the problems of its neighbors.

Ummy Mwalimu, Minister of Health said the medical requirements comprising antibiotics dehydration medicines and water purification solution are among medical supplies airlifted to the cyclone-ravaged areas by the Air Force Command of Tanzania’s Peoples’ Defense Force (TPDF).

Receiving the support on behalf of her country, Mozambican Ambassador to Tanzania, Monica Mussa, thanked President Magufuli and the Government of Tanzania for the assistance saying it will help to save lives of many people who are in dire need of food, medicine and shelter.

The Malawian Ambassador, Glad Chembe Munthali thanked the Government and explained that the immediate support has revealed brotherhood, good-neighborliness and a close relationship between the two countries.

Acting Zimbabwe Ambassador to Tanzania Martin Tavenyika has also expressed his sincere appreciation for supporting those who have been affected by cyclone Idai.

South African government has also called for assistance from local Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals “to make donations towards humanitarian aid for the people of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai.”

UNICEF USA also has launched a fund raiser labeled: “You Can Make a Difference Right Now”

Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi said in an address on national radio Monday that Cyclone Idai may have killed more than 1,000 people in Mozambique.

 “Officially, we have a record of more than 84 dead but everything indicates that we can have a record of more than 1,000 dead,” Nyusi said, adding that “100,000 people are in danger.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said on Monday that initial assessments in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique suggested that more than 150 people have been killed in those three countries, but the humanitarian organization warned that the death toll could rise sharply.