Jersey lends support after “devastating” African cyclone

Thursday 21 March 2019

Jersey has pledged to help alleviate the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai which has torn across southern Africa leaving hundreds dead and many more stranded by widespread flooding, as casualties continue to rise.

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), the island’s independent international aid agency, is in contact with humanitarian groups on the ground in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe after the cyclone swept through last week.

15,000 people still need to be rescued in Mozambique and some 300 people are confirmed dead there and in Zimbabwe.

#Mozambique is facing its worst humanitarian crisis in recent history.

Thousands have lost everything to #CycloneIdai. Please donate NOW to help: https://t.co/lTkBhoWcXK pic.twitter.com/VsPKvYpf3o

— British Red Cross (@BritishRedCross) March 20, 2019

JOA say that they are continuing to “closely monitor the situation following the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai and is in contact with several humanitarian agencies working on the ground in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe".

They predict that “casualty figures will increase considerably in the next few days” due to “flood waters… continuing to rise”.

JOA are currently assessing where their funds will be best spent, and they are due to make an official announcement next week about the aid they are going to provide to help manage the crisis.

Pictured: Jersey's role in providing international aid falls under the remit of Minister for International Development Deputy Carolyn Labey.

Meanwhile, Guernsey’s Overseas Aid and Development Commission has pledged £30,000 to support the appeal from the UK Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

The UK government has agreed to match every pound of the first £2million donated to the appeal by the public in addition to the £6million the Department for International Development has already committed to the fund.

Pictured top: Cyclone Idai has caused devastation for thousands of people. (PA)