Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwean envoys have extended sincere gratitude to the government of Tanzania for assisting their countries with food and drugs following the effects of a powerful cyclone which is claimed to kill over 1000 people and leaving many others displaced.
Speaking during the handover and loading exercise which took place at the Julius Nyerere International Aiport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Malawi High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Glad Munthal, saluted the good leadership of President John Magufuli for acting very quickly.
“Looking at what the government under the good leadership of President Magufuli has done for the people of Malawi it has got me speechless. It is something we did not expect.
The President of Malawi Peter Mutharika has declared the situation a national disaster and for us to see that Tanzania has responded quickly signifies that the two countries are really good friends and the longstanding friendship will surely last forever,” said Mr Munthali.
Mozambique High Commissioner, Ms Monica Patricio Clemente, noted that the cyclone Idai had hit hard Beira, the second city after Maputo, Manika, Zambezi and Tete which are located in the central part of the country.
According to her, a big number of people have died and many others are still missing, roads have been washed away, there is no communication with the rest of the country, electricity likewise mobile networks and television.
“Rescue and search operations are still going on. For us to receive this big help from Tanzania, it constitutes a big relief for the people in need.
We thank the people of Tanzania, particularly President Magufuli for offering the big assistance to our country,” noted Ms Clemente.
The Charge de Affairs of the Zimbabwean Embassy to Tanzania, Mr Martin Tavenyika, revealed that it was among the great days which symbolises the longstanding relationships between Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
“I never expected this gesture of friendship would come so early for Zimbabwe had never sent an appeal, but I really thank President Magufuli,” he said.
“I have already communicated the good gesture at the appropriate level, let me assure you that the help will be put to good use and will reach the intended people,” he added.
According reports received yesterday morning, over 1,000 people have been left displaced and are living under difficult conditions due to the floods.
IFRC spokesman Jamie LeSueur said that up to 90 per cent of the area had been destroyed.
“The scale of devastation is enormous,” said LeSueur. On Sunday, a dam burst, cutting off the last road to the city, which aid workers are now struggling to reach.
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said there was no power in Beira and surrounding areas, and nearly all communication lines had been destroyed.