SFr10 million for Mozambique victims

The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation says it has raised SFr10 million for the victims of last month's flooding in southern Africa.

The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation says it has raised SFr10 million for the victims of last month’s flooding in southern Africa. The Solidarity Chain, the fund-raising branch of the SBC, said the money was earmarked for projects run by Swiss aid organisations in Mozambique, Madagascar, and other parts of southern Africa.

Humanitarian aid is now focussing on rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Aid convoys first arrived in some of the worst-hit villages a few days ago, the Chain said. “Many routes are still impassable, and the only access to some places is through neighbouring countries.”

The trucks are carrying seeds, blankets, water purification equipment and food for 1,000 families. The distribution of maize and bean seeds have been given top priority in order to prevent starvation in the next few months.

The Swiss government has donated SFr15 million in aid to the region.

Contributions to the Solidarity Chain can be made over the Internet.

swissinfo with agencies