UN: aid on its way to Mozambique cyclone victims

(25 Mar 2019) The deputy director of the U.N. Humanitarian operation in Mozambique says aid should now flow more freely to people hit by Cyclone Idai, after a key road to Beira is now open.
Cyclone Idai's death toll has risen above 750 in the three southern African countries hit 10 days ago by the storm, as workers rush to restore electricity, water and try to prevent outbreak of cholera.
In Mozambique the number of dead has risen to 446 while there are 259 dead in Zimbabwe and at least 56 dead in Malawi for a three-nation total of 761.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Sebastian Rhodes Stampa said that saving lives was the biggest priority.
He said the road opening would help more isolated communities receive supplies.
"We are more organised now, after the chaos that we had, so we are delivering food and shelter to more people today," said Stampa.
Former President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano also weighed in on the crisis on Monday, giving his condolences to the families who had been affected.
"I regret that I could not be here earlier," he added.
The U.S. military will join the number of international aid groups assisting in providing food and medical care to those affected by the massive cyclone, one of the worst natural disasters in southern Africa in recent history.
The U.S. Africa Command statement comes three days after Mozambique's government made a formal request to the international community for aid.
The nation earlier declared a national disaster as its president said deaths from the cyclone could reach 1,000.

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