|
. | . |
|
by Staff Writers Harare (AFP) Feb 11, 2014 Zimbabwean authorities on Tuesday launched an international appeal for $20 million to help some 20,000 people displaced by flooding in the south of the country following torrential rains. Villagers living in the basin of a huge dam project that is under construction in Masvingo province have been most affected. "The government of the republic of Zimbabwe is appealing for US$20 million from the international community to meet urgent humanitarian needs for affected communities," Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo told Western diplomats and aid agency officials in Harare. "This is needed to evacuate and relocate at-risk communities as well as (for) the provision of food, shelter, safe water and other basic needs," he said. The humanitarian fund will also go towards buying blankets and tents and to build clinics and schools. The minister said about 20,000 people who were living within the Tokwe-Mukorsi dam basin are at high risk of flooding. No death has been recorded so far, but President Robert Mugabe declared a state of national disaster on Sunday. The displaced have been given temporary shelter at schools and in tent camps. Marooned villagers are being airlifted by air force helicopters. Neighbours Namibia and Zambia have pledged three helicopters to help with rescue efforts. Tokwe-Mukorsi dam, 400 kilometres ( 250 miles) south of Harare, is being built by an Italian contractor, Salini S.p.A. The dam is intended to feed irrigation projects for sugarcane, cotton and tobacco production.
Related Links Bringing Order To A World Of Disasters When the Earth Quakes A world of storm and tempest
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement |