PRESS RELEASE
UNICEF rushes life-saving emergency supplies to victims of Cyclone Idai in Beira, Mozambique
UNICEF spokespeople in the region and in Denmark are available for interview
MULTIMEDIA – Video, images & b-roll available of UNICEF’s emergency response teams shipping supplies from world’s largest humanitarian warehouse in Denmark here
20 March 2019, COPENHAGEN/DUBLIN: UNICEF has shipped 50 tons of emergency supplies for the victims of Cyclone Idai in Beira, Mozambique. Specialist teams at UNICEF’s Supply Division warehouse in Copenhagen urgently packed emergency boxes containing essential supplies ready to be shipped to the region.
Right now, hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe are facing devastation brought by Cyclone Idai. UNICEF is moving quickly to respond to the impact of the cyclone. “We know what to do in an emergency. With the heavy rains and flooding, we know children and their families need safe drinking water, health supplies and emergency shelter. Supply Division in Denmark is the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse and we are able to get lifesaving supplies and technical specialists on the ground anywhere in the world within 72 hours,” said UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power.
While the full extent of the cyclone’s impact is not yet clear, it’s likely to include damage to schools and health facilities. While damage to water and sanitation infrastructure may impede access to safe water for affected communities, thereby bringing a heightened risk of water-borne diseases, which are particularly dangerous for children.
The supplies are destined for the port city of Beira in Mozambique, one of most severely affected areas. The shipment focuses on essential supplies for children, covering urgent health, nutrition, water and sanitation needs – delivering boxes cholera kits, surgical instruments, tents, tarpaulins and educational supplies.
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Note to editors:
Photos and videos from Supply Division are available to download here – https://weshare.unicef.org/Folder/2AMZIF3KNAP7
Additional videos and images from impact of Cyclone Idai in Southern Africa are available here
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
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Contacts
Danny Smits, UNICEF Ireland, +353871308070, danny@unicef.ie
