China to provide emergency relief to cyclone-hit countries

China has decided to provide emergency relief to cyclone-hit Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, according to Tian Lin on Thursday, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Tian said the Chinese government is deeply sympathetic to the three countries for the serious natural disasters, and is willing to provide help in accordance with requests from the countries for post-disaster recovery within its capacity.

Cyclone Idai lashed the Mozambican port city of Beira with winds of up to 170 km per hour a week ago, then moved inland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, flattening buildings and putting the lives of millions at risk.

At least 98 people have died in Zimbabwe, while 56 have died in Malawi. The death toll in Mozambique is likely to rise further as rescuers are continuing to find bodies.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, who declared three days of national mourning starting on Wednesday, has said the eventual death toll from the cyclone and ensuing floods could rise to more than 1,000.

Other international aid has also started to help Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi out of the killing natural disaster, including the United Nations, the United Arab Emirates and the United Sates.

(CGTN)