Asked by: Baroness D'Souza (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to resume channelling development and emergency aid through the government of Mozambique and its agencies in the light of Cyclone Idai.
Answered by Lord Bates
The UK has been monitoring the situation in Mozambique since last week. The situation is extremely concerning. Beira – a city of half a million people in central Mozambique has been cut off since the weekend with no water or electricity. Other areas are under water.
The Government of Mozambique is leading the response. They are experts in disaster management but are overwhelmed. They are being supported by UN agencies, international and local NGOs.
The UK has responded quickly. The Secretary of State has approved up to £22 million to support the people affected by the cyclone. We will not be channelling funds through the Government of Mozambique but will work through UN agencies and non-Government partners.