EU releases 3.5 million Euros in emergency relief to cyclone-hit countries

HARARE, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Tuesday released 3.5 million euros in emergency aid to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe following the tropical cyclone Idai, which induced devastating floods in the three countries.

Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said in a statement the funding will be used to provide logistical support to reach affected people, emergency shelter, hygiene, sanitation, and health care.

He said the aid package was based on needs and 2 million euros will be provided to Mozambique, 1 million euros to Malawi and 0.5 million euros to Zimbabwe.

The money is in addition to 250,000 euros in initial humanitarian assistance also by the EU.

In addition, the EU was sending technical experts on the ground while its Copernicus satellite system had been activated to identify needs and help humanitarian partners and the local authorities in their response, Stylianides added.

Around 600,000 people in Mozambique and 900,000 in Malawi are thought to have been affected by the cyclone, according to United Nations estimates.

In Zimbabwe, the cyclone-induced floods have left at least 98 people dead, 217 missing and 102 injured, while 42 are marooned.

The cyclone has also destroyed roads, bridges and houses in the affected southern and eastern parts of the country.