WV partners with WFP to provide food to flood victims

By António Matimbe

Quelimane, 20 February – Two international non-governmental organisations, World Vision (WV) Mozambique and World Food Programme (WFP) have started to provide food aid to 35, 000 people displaced by the recent heavy rains and subsequent floods in Zambezia Province, Mozambique. In total, 820 metric tones of pulses, cereals and a mix of maize and vegetable oil provided by WFP will be provided to people in temporary accommodation camps and resettlement areas in the districts of Mopeia, Morrumbala and Namacurra, until the end of March. 

 “Despite the efforts made so far to assist the affected, evidence on the ground shows that more relief is required especially food”, said Graham Strong, the WV Mozambique National Director.

Strong has also expressed concern over the findings of a recent United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) assessment that revealed that the floods have impacted on the nutritional state of those affected, in particular children. UNICEF provides oversight on health and nutrition component of the on-going response efforts. “Our expectation is that the new phase of our relief assistance programme will assist to address malnutrition.”

The operation faces massive logistical challenges posed mostly by the inaccessible roads, collapsed bridges and continued rain.   

WV Mozambique has so far provided emergency assistance to 10,000 people in Zambezia Province that includes family kits containing clothing, blankets, water purifiers and mosquito nets. The organisation has also assisted by making available tanks and latrines at temporary accommodation centres.

The organisation is mobilising more resources to boost current relief efforts.