China donates disaster relief equipment to Idai-hit Mozambique

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China's rescue team donated disaster relief equipment to health authorities of Mozambique on Tuesday in Beira, central province of Sofala, which was hit hardest by the devastating tropical cyclone Idai.

The equipment, valued at some 700,000 U.S. dollars, include rescue kits, hospital supplies, medications, folding beds and tents.

China's aid will relieve the health sector's pressure in dealing with the current emergency, said Ussene Issa, national director of medical assistance of the Mozambican health ministry.

"China has not only offered the donations we are receiving today, but has also been involved in the medical care for Cyclone Idai victims, distributing food and water. What we gained from China is necessary support and important reinforcement," said Issa.

People stand on the banks where the bridge was washed away in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, near the village of John Segredo, March 24, 2019. /VCG Photo

Idai made landfall on the night of March 14 in central Mozambique, leaving at least 518 people dead, 59,910 houses destroyed, and water and sanitation infrastructures damaged, official statistics showed.

Since March 25, the 65-member Chinese rescue team has been giving medical assistance to thousands of victims in local accommodation centers, distributing food, water and supplies, providing sanitizing services in many disaster-affected neighborhoods which were hit by cyclone Idai.

From the viewpoint of Issa, emergency coordination with other health partners will allow the donations to be distributed efficiently across the affected provinces.

Zhao Ming, leader of the Chinese rescue team, said at the handover ceremony that although his team is ready to return, they will leave the best equipment, and China will always show solidarity with the Mozambican people.

(Top image: Members of a Chinese rescue team unload medical relief supplies in Beira, March 25, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency