Aid for Malawi floods

22 Jan 2015 12:28 PM

Scottish Government to support humanitarian crisis.

The Scottish Government has announced £150,000 to support the current humanitarian crisis caused by severe flooding in Malawi.

The Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf yesterday met with the Scotland Malawi Partnership and pledged £30,000 for the organisation to support its members to deliver local aid to communities in Malawi. An additional £120,000 will be given to UNICEF in Malawi to assist their wider humanitarian efforts to support those affected.

Weeks of torrential rain in Malawi have resulted in extensive flooding across the country, causing more than 170 deaths and the displacement of more than 200,000 people. Thousands more have been injured or are at risk through hunger and disease.

Several areas of the country have been declared disaster zones. Many hectares of crops have been destroyed, livestock has been washed away, and infrastructure has been damaged. The President of Malawi Peter Mutharika has called the floods a ‘national tragedy that urgently needs both local and international response’.

International Development Minister Humza Yousaf said yesterday:

“My condolences go to all those directly affected by this disaster and my thoughts are with the people of Malawi and their families here in Scotland. We will do all we can to help. Our immediate concern is to protect those who are most at risk, but over half a million people could be feeling the effects of the floods due to damaged crops and infrastructure. The special relationship between Scotland and Malawi has seen Scottish people determined to offer assistance in whatever way they can to help alleviate this crisis.

“Local organisations have a thorough understanding of what is required to make a difference right now and they have the experience to put this into practice. They are working hard to assist those affected by this tragic turn of events and the money I am announcing today will help them do more faster. This is not just a short term measure. We will of course continue to work with organisations on the ground to assess the longer term impacts of this crisis.

“We hear about the adversity so many people in Malawi encounter on a daily basis just trying to get an education, keep themselves healthy and stay safe. It is clear that we must do all that we can to help our friends in Malawi overcome the effects of these devastating floods.

David Hope-Jones, Principal Officer of the Scotland Malawi Partnership said:

“The flooding across Malawi has already tragically claimed more than 170 lives and will have very serious continued long-term consequences for hundreds of thousands more, with life-sustaining crops ruined, livelihoods disrupted, schools damaged, and health issues arising from poor sanitation and access to clean water. The Scotland Malawi Partnership has been working with its members, its sister organisation in Malawi, donor organisations and relief agencies to help coordinate a response.

“Funds from the Scottish Government will immediately be passed to meet urgent lifesaving needs in Malawian communities who are suffering some of the worst effects of the floods and who have longstanding links with Scotland.

“Scotland stands alongside its friends and partners in Malawi in support and solidarity at this most challenging time. We welcome the fast and effective response from both the Scottish Government and the people of Scotland.”

Head of Unicef UK in Scotland, Lucinda Rivers, said yesterday:

“The Scottish Government’s announcement today that they will provide £120,000 of funding for Unicef’s emergency response for Malawi is most welcome. This will greatly help our humanitarian work on the ground to assist children affected by the devastating floods. It will enable Unicef to continue to deliver supplies to affected areas including essential medicines, tents and tarpaulins, therapeutic food and milk for treating malnutrition, hygiene kits and education materials.”

Notes To Editors

The Scotland Malawi Partnership operates as an umbrella body for organisations and individuals operating in Malawi.

The Scottish Government working with the Scotland Malawi Partnership will provide £30,000 in direct aid to local efforts already underway, and provide a further £120,000 to UNICEF to assist their wider humanitarian efforts to support those affected.

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk