UN chief calls for ‘far greater support’ for Cyclone Idai response - GulfToday

UN chief calls for ‘far greater support’ for Cyclone Idai response

idaii

A man looks on atop his house after Cyclone idai in Buzi district outside Beira, Mozambique.

NEW YORK: The world needs to step up support for the survivors of Tropical Cyclone Idai, the UN Secretary-General said on Friday, in a strong personal appeal as relief workers rush to provide aid to people stranded across the storm countries in southern Africa.

Describing how we was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and heart-wrenching images of human suffering" in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Ant?nio Guterres also praised rescue teams "who have been working around the clock to save thousands of lives" in desperately challenging conditions.

"These heroes have not only rescued families off roofs, but are also delivering food, water purification tablets and other life-saving humanitarian assistance to survivors after communities have literally been washed away," Mr. Guterres said in a statement.

"What is needed now are funds to support the response in the days, weeks and months to come," he insisted, noting that although the UN has already released $20 million from its emergency fund, "far greater international support is needed."

WAM

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