DISASTER SUPPORT - Red Cross provides monetary aid to El Niño victims in Mangochi
The Red Crescent Society is providing monetary support to El Niño victims in Mangochi district as a resilience intervention, where communities have faced severe displacement and food insecurity
MANGOCHI, Malawi (Planet Defence) – The Malawi Red Cross Society, in partnership with the Danish Red Cross, has launched a crucial support initiative for victims affected by recent floods and El Niño-induced dry spells. The intervention targets areas in the Mangochi district, where communities have faced severe displacement and food insecurity writes Maureen Kawerama.
In Southern Africa, the El Niño weather phenomenon significantly drives humanitarian needs. Its effects, including drought, erratic rainfall, flooding, and high temperatures, vary across different areas within countries.
During a handover ceremony held on 25th June 2024 in the area of Sub-T/A Kapichi, Nankhwari, Prisca Chisala, Director of Programs and Development at Malawi Red Cross Society, announced that 718 households would receive monthly cash assistance of K50,000 for three months. Each household will thus receive a total of K150,000 to support their basic needs and livelihoods.
"These funds are intended to help affected families meet their immediate needs while promoting resilience within the community," explained Chisala in an interview. "In addition to cash assistance, we are implementing hygiene promotion activities, such as providing laundry and bathing soaps, and conducting malnutrition screenings among children under the age of five years."
As part of the aid package, the Red Cross is distributing Likuni Soya Blend to 120 households with lactating mothers, pregnant women, and children under two years old to enhance their nutritional status.
Nuria Beneitez, Acting Country Manager for the Danish Red Cross, reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing livelihoods support for the affected families. "The Danish Red Cross will continue to back the Malawi Red Cross Society to ensure all affected individuals receive the necessary aid," she stated.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. Atupele Jali, a 27-year-old recipient, shared, "The cash support received today will help me and my family start constructing a new house after our home was destroyed by the floods."
Today, beneficiaries received K100,000 as part payment of the total K150,000 to be distributed over three months. This aid package by the Red Cross marks a significant step towards recovery and resilience for the flood and drought-affected communities in Mangochi.