Online Reporter
Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has through ZimAID directed the dispatch of two air rescue helicopters to Mozambique as part of the ongoing initiatives to assist with search and rescue efforts after parts of the neighbouring country were battered by severe floods.
ZimAID is a Government-led programme that aligns with Africa’s objective to pool resources and assist each other when natural disasters strike, and President Mnangagwa last year handed donations to his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Chapo to help Cyclone Chido victims.
Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications) in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba confirmed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle this afternoon.
“Zimbabwe stands with the people of the Sister Republic of Mozambique and His Excellency, the President Dr ED Mnangagwa, has directed that two Air-Rescue Helicopters be dispatched to assist with the evacuation programme in Mozambique. The two crafts will be joining in the effort shortly,” he said.
Mr Charamba said Government has also mobilised more assistance for Malawi as well.
“Through our Department of Civil Protection and under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Zimbabwe is mobilising more assistance for both Mozambique and Malawi under ZimAID,” said Mr Charamba.
Authorities, he added, remain on high alert for any local emergencies.
“Here at home, joint units of our Security Services continue to be on the lookout for any emergency cases in the country. A number of missions have already been successfully undertaken. Additionally, each Province in the country is set to receive 50 tonnes of grain as a standby facility in case of need,” he said.
Mr Charamba urged citizens to remain vigilant of weather-related hazards and avoid risks, especially with flooded rivers.
In an advisory early this week, the Meteorological Service Department forecasted that the country would receive heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorm.
