Tánaiste and Minister Cannon announce more than €1 million in funding in response to Cyclone Idai
Press release
27 March 2019
Tánaiste and Minister Cannon announce more than €1 million in funding in response to Cyclone Idai
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., and Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, T.D., today announced over €1 million in Irish funding in support of those affected by Cyclone Idai.
The Tánaiste said:
“The devastation caused by Cyclone Idai is truly shocking. Our deepest sympathies go to all those impacted by this disaster.
Rapid assessments, including through EU satellite imagery, have highlighted the vast scale of humanitarian need, which is only likely to grow in the coming days and weeks. It is vital therefore that we step up our international response.
That is why, in addition to our contributions to the UN relief efforts, I am pleased that Ireland will contribute at least €1,050,000 to help those most gravely affected.”
Minister of State Cannon added:
“Cyclone Idai is among the worst weather-related disasters ever experienced in Africa. Our collective response to what the UN has called an unprecedented disaster, will be crucial over the coming days in order to minimize the loss of life.
I welcome the rapid allocation of $20 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, which will help those affected meet their immediate basic needs.
Irish Embassies in Mozambique and Malawi are working with partners on the ground in response to this crisis, while the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria is monitoring the effects of the crisis in Zimbabwe, through its office in Harare.”
This initial Irish Government response comprises €400,000 released by the Embassy of Ireland in Mozambique to the World Food Programme; €500,000 to the IFRC Red Cross response in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe; and €150,000 in Irish Aid funding allocated to Concern Worldwide for activities in Malawi.
Ends
Press Office
22 March 2019
Notes to Editor
- An estimated 1.7 million people have been affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. In the aftermath of the cyclone, flooding is now the major crisis. More than half a million people are estimated to have lost their homes in Mozambique. Beira, Mozambique’s fourth-largest city, has suffered extensive damage and remains inaccessible by road.
- Ireland has been one of the strongest supporters of the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund since its inception in 2005, and is one of the top ten donors to the fund over its lifetime.
- Ireland also contributes to the EU humanitarian response mechanisms, through which an initial emergency aid package of €3.5 million has been announced (€2 million will be provided in Mozambique, €1 million in Malawi, and €0.5 million in Zimbabwe). This is in addition to €250 000 in initial humanitarian assistance.
- The Government’s new policy for international development, A Better World, commits Ireland to redoubling efforts to address and mitigate the effects of climate change in development contexts, as well as helping vulnerable communities recover from the impacts of humanitarian disasters.
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