GENEVA, March 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The International Red Cross and European Union teams have since Monday reinforced medical support and emergency response to cyclone Idai affected people, according to the two organizations.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced the arrival of an Emergency Response Unit that will provide medical care to 20,000 people daily.
A new emergency team, which will provide daily drinking water to 15,000 people, is expected to arrive in the next few days.
"After a disaster of this magnitude, the speed, quality and size of the response is critical to preventing the spread of disease," said IFRC Secretary-General Elhadj As Sy during a press conference at the United Nations In Geneva.
Elhadj As Sy pointed out that, as the waters begin to drop, "thousands of people still have no access to water, shelter or health care."
"We have now been able to see more clearly the real consequences of this disaster," he added.
The official added that two field hospitals with the capacity to provide medical services, including emergency surgeries, to at least 30,000 people are also on their way to Mozambique.
On Monday, a plane with an emergency logistics team left Geneva to ensure that donations of goods are received, sent to customs and transported to the destination by the organization's volunteers.
The IFRC raised, however, from 10 million to 35 million Swiss francs, the request for emergency aid.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it will consider emergency financial assistance in Mozambique under an IMF Rapid Credit Facility after Cyclone Idai ripped through three southern African countries killing at least 686 people.
“While it is still early to precisely assess the macroeconomic effects of Cyclone Idai and reconstruction costs, these will be very significant,” the IMF said in a statement. -- NNN-AGENCIES
