Media Release

SADC to Launch a Regional Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance for millions affected by the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone IDAI

Gaborone, Botswana, 8th April 2019:

A devastating Tropical Cyclone IDAI has affected an estimated 3 million people in three of the Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region; Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The three SADC Member States have declared national disasters and requested immediate international support.

In light of this situation, the SADC Chairperson, H.E Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia will on Thursday, 11th April 2019, launch a Regional Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance in response to Tropical Cyclone IDAI in Windhoek, Namibia.

The Regional Appeal, which fully builds on the requests for assistance made by the three affected countries, will be a formal regional request to the international community to provide assistance to affected Member States who require immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, potable water, sanitation and medical support, considering the occurrence for cholera and other diarrhea infections, malaria and water borne and water related diseases. The support will also aid in early recovery actions in the affected districts, thereby helping to them to rebuild their lives, livelihoods and economies.

Issued by the Communications and Public Relations Unit, SADC Secretariat

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations, SADC Secretariat Tel: (+267) 364 1790; (+267) 395 1863 (Ext 1790) Email: blopi@sadc.int

or

Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari, Press Secretary and Presidential Advisor, Namibia State House, Mobile: +264 811281496 Email: Alfredo.Hengari@op.gov.na