Humanitarian cooperation

Belarus’ humanitarian aid reaches Zimbabwe

Airplane with Belarus' humanitarian aid. Photo courtesy of the Emergencies Ministry

MINSK, 17 April (BelTA) – Belarus’ humanitarian aid has arrived in Zimbabwe. After that, the airplane with the humanitarian cargo will go to Mozambique, BelTA learned from the Emergencies Ministry.

“The airplane with the Belarusian humanitarian aid has arrived in Africa. Zimbabwe was the first stop. Belarusian rescue workers help unload the plane. The humanitarian mission is led by Belarusian First Deputy Emergencies Minister Alexander Khudoleyev,” the Emergencies Ministry informed. After the airplane is unloaded in Zimbabwe, it will head for Mozambique.

A reminder, Cyclone Idai hit the African continent on 15 March bringing a long-lived storm and strong winds. The cyclone caused considerable damage to municipal and rural infrastructure in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The governments of the cyclone-hit countries appealed for international humanitarian assistance and launched a call for help. Zimbabwe officially declared Cyclone Idai a National Disaster.

Belarus also received an official request to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for the cyclone victims. The Belarusian president approved a corresponding resolution of the Council of Ministers of Belarus.

Belarus’ humanitarian aid includes sugar, flour, beef, canned meat for children, soap, blankets, washing powder, clothes and shoes for adults and children, school supplies, mugs and cutlery worth more than Br656,000. Cargo will be delivered by air. The humanitarian aid will be accompanied by employees of the Emergencies Ministry.

The cyclone killed 446 people in Mozambique; about 65,000 people approached disaster relief centers for medical and humanitarian assistance; over 530,000 people are left without food, homes, electricity and water supply. In Zimbabwe the cyclone destroyed entire villages, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges. According to official statistics, the death toll in Zimbabwe rose to 185, with hundreds of people declared missing. About 50,000 Zimbabweans are left without food, electricity and water supply.

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