Media continue to cover UK aid’s response to the devastating Cyclone Idai which has hit millions of people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
A team of UK medical workers is due to leave the UK for Mozambique from Heathrow Airport today to help assess the health needs of the cyclone-hit region. Al Jazeera, the Gulf Times, The Sunday Times in Scotland, The Sunday Mirror and Nehanda Radio have all reported on the increased risk of cholera, malaria and typhoid due to poor sanitary conditions in the aftermath of the damage.
Separately another flight is due to leave from Doncaster Airport later. It will contain forklift trucks and other equipment to help quickly unload aid from planes and cut the time it takes to get relief items to those in need.
Papers and broadcasters – including the Mail, Sky News, BBC News, Radio 4 and the Evening Express - have today (24 March) reported on a RAF plane which is also due to take 20 tonnes of aid supplies, including solar lanterns, water purifiers and shelter kits, in the coming days to Mozambique.
The coverage features a quote from International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt.
She says: “The UK government was one of the first to respond to this crisis and is currently the biggest global donor to the response. It is doing all it can to provide life-saving help to the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless or without food by this devastating cyclone.
“The UK aid on board this RAF plane due to fly into Mozambique contains essential supplies, which will made a real and immediate difference to the survivors.
“This is undoubtedly one of the biggest natural disasters to hit the region, and our thoughts remain firmly with the victims.”
The UK’s total support for the survivors of Cyclone Idai now stands at £22 million. This includes £4 million of aid match money for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal.