Helping those in need after cyclone Idai
People appreciate and never forget a helping hand, especially when times are tough. And there is no tougher time at the moment than for those affected by the aftermath of Cyclone Idai.
A number of locals are working non-stop to assist those in need after the storm caused indescribable suffering last Thursday in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Clean, safe water remains one of the most important needs for those affected.
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Existing sources have been destroyed or contaminated, and access to safe water and food is critical to help prevent outbreaks of cholera or other dangerous waterborne illnesses.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated that cases of cholera had already been reported in Beira.
The reconstruction of roads and bridges to get access to those trapped in villages and towns in the disaster area can take months. The disaster relief is expected to be needed for months to come.
Nelspruit Methodist Church and Sezabantu Piping Systems have arranged a truck to leave for the area affected by Cyclone Idai over the weekend with donations. According to Sezabantu Piping Systems’ Lechal Louw, they are established in the neighbouring country and have the logistics and necessary permits to get the goods across.
“We have a branch there in Mozambique and our trucks will deliver the supplies up north.”
She said they have had a good response from the public regarding donations. Nelspruit Methodist Church’s Michelle Ingram said the churches district had collected donations from all their congregations and are currently sending the goods to Sezabantu to take up to the area.
“Later on, we would like to help hands-on with building structures for the people who need it. Every bit helps when it comes to donations. Whatever you can afford to help with, that is one extra person you are helping.”
The Mozambican Consulate in Nelspruit has issued a list of items the people affected in the flooded areas will need
• Non-perishable foods
• Rice, flour, sugar, oil, miscellaneous canned food
• Clothing
• Various clothing, shoes, blankets, bed sheets, mosquito nets
• School supplies
• Exercise books, pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, books, others
• Hygene and cleaning items
• Water purifier, soap, candles, phosphorous matches.
For monetary donations, no matter the amount
Account name: MOZ CICLONE IDAI
Standard Bank Society Scheme Savings Account
Branch Code: 018305
Account: 10116271769
Electronic payment: 051001
Swift Address: SBZAZAJJ
Drop off donations at Sezabantu, situated at 20 Van Bergen Street, in the industrial area near the Traffic Department. People are also welcome to use Nelspruit Methodist Church as a drop-off facility.
The office closes at 12:30, but the caretaker Thulani Mbuyazi is around until 15:30 to receive goods otherwise people can contact Michelle Ingram on 083-268-0230.
