Mozambique: Cyclone Idai-hit areas get relief, medical equipment from Chinese rescue team

China's rescue team donated disaster-relief equipment to health authorities of Mozambique on Tuesday, April 2 in Beira, the central province of Sofala, the region hardest hit by the devastating tropical Cyclone Idai. The equipment, valued at some USD 700,000, include rescue kits, hospital supplies, medications, folding beds and tents.

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

"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 to support an important reinforcement," said the director, expressing the government's gratitude.

Cyclone 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 compromised, official statistics showed.

Since March 25, the 65-member Chinese rescue team has been giving medical assistance to thousands of victims in local accommodation centres, distributing food, water and supplies, providing sanitizing services in many disaster-affected neighbourhoods where sanitation and water infrastructures were compromised by Cyclone Idai, as reported by Xinhua.

According to 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 leave the best equipment and China will always show solidarity with the Mozambican people.

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