WaterAid has launched an urgent emergency appeal to support communities affected by the devastating floods sweeping across Southern Africa, with Mozambique and Malawi amongst the hardest-hit.
Following weeks of extreme rainfall, communities across Southern Africa have been devastated by catastrophic floods. In Mozambique and Malawi, over 800,000 people have been affected with thousands in temporary accommodation and shelters, while the number of deaths and people missing continues to rise.
Vital water and hygiene systems have been destroyed, and natural water sources have become contaminated and are dangerous to drink. Now, WaterAid warns deadly waterborne diseases like cholera could spread fast, putting even more lives at risk.
Funds raised through WaterAid’s emergency appeal will go towards hygiene kits and water purification tablets as well as vital repairs to damaged water and hygiene services ensuring communities worst affected can stay safe and protect themselves against these diseases.
Robert Kampala, Southern Africa Regional Director, WaterAid, said:
“The floods we’re seeing are some of the worst the region has ever seen. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed, communities are completely isolated, and shelters and health care centres are under immense strain – trying to help without the basics like clean water or toilets.
“And though the rains are starting to slow, the emergency isn’t. This is rapidly becoming a public health crisis. As water sources become contaminated with floodwater and people are forced to live in cramped shelters while the threat of cholera outbreaks and other diseases loom.
The vital funds raised through WaterAid’s emergency appeal will make sure communities are protected against the emerging threat of cholera and can navigate this crisis with dignity and safety, while also ensuring everyone has clean water for now and in the future.”
WaterAid’s emergency appeal will ensure people worst affected by the floods in southern Africa can stay safe and protect themselves from deadly diseases with clean water and hygiene kits. Donate today, visit www.wateraid.org/floods
Alongside emergency relief, WaterAid works with communities to build long-term, sustainable water and sanitation systems – just as important for helping countries like Mozambique and Malawi break out of a cycle of disaster response and build climate resilience.
