UK provides emergency assistance for Malawi flood victims

Press release

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19 January 2015

UK provides emergency assistance for Malawi flood victims

 

Emergency funding to help people affected by the Malawi floods access food, shelter, water and sanitation services has been provided by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) in support of the national response.

 

Working with UNICEF, the World Food Programme and international NGOs, DFID support has provided:

• emergency water and sanitation support for up to 20,000 people;
• emergency food for people displaced by the flood including for 10,000 households;
• non-food items including plastic sheeting for 2,000 households ; and,
• tents to shelter approximately 750 people.

 

Jen Marshall, Head of DFID Malawi, said:

 

“We are deeply saddened by the suffering and loss of life in Malawi due to the floods. The UK is working with the UN and International NGOs to support the Government of Malawi’s response. Immiedate assistance has been mobilised and we are continuing to monitor the situation for potential further UK support, following release of the Government’s preliminary response plan. In the weeks to come, the UK’s aid will also help people to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.”

 

The close links between Scotland and Malawi mean that many people in Scotland will be particularly saddened to learn of the devastation being caused by the floods there. DFID is working in close coordination with Scottish partners.

 

Notes to editors

1. The UK has mobilised £3.8m of its resources this year to ensure a rapid and effective humanitarian response to disasters in Malawi, in support of the poorest and most vulnerable communities. Additional programme funding will also support flood victims.
2. The Start Fund has activated £350,000 funding for Malawi. The funding is available to all of the Start Network’s 19 Members (which include ActionAid, Concern Worldwide, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund). The Start Fund is supported by the UK Department for International Development and Irish Aid.

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The Department for International Development (DFID)

We lead the UK government’s work to end extreme poverty.  Find out more at www.gov.uk/dfid

Contact (press enquiries): Andrew Massa. tel: +265 (0)1 772 400

Twitter: @ DFID_UK, @UKinMalawi