Quick funding from ECHO to benefit thousands of children affected by cyclone FavioMaputo, Mozambique, 6 March 2007 - Rapidly responding to the growing needs of children affected by Cyclone Favio in central Mozambique, the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) has donated €652,000 to UNICEF as part of ECHO’s “72 hour response” for humanitarian emergencies. The funds from ECHO come at a critical time, as thousands of Mozambican children have been left homeless in the wake of the powerful storm – the second natural disaster to hit central Mozambique in less than a month. Cyclone Favio devastated several coastal towns last week and has increased the vulnerability of a growing number of children in the four districts most affected – Govuro, Inhassoro, Massinga and Vilanculos – in Inhambane Province. The cyclone damaged about 130,000 homes, 18 health facilities and more than a hundred schools. Local authorities estimate that it will take several weeks to repair the damaged buildings. ECHO’s support will ensure that children affected by the disaster have access to safe water and sanitation, basic health services and that they are back in school promptly. With the funds provided by ECHO, UNICEF’s strategy for the cyclone emergency response will focus on rehabilitating schools and health facilities. UNICEF’s interventions will also provide basic shelter and survival materials to families made vulnerable by the cyclone. This quick UNICEF-ECHO response to the Cyclone Favio emergency will be implemented over a three month-period in the districts of Govuro, Inhassoro, Massinga and Vilanculos in collaboration with local authorities. For further information, please contact: Thierry Delvigne-Jean, Communication Officer, UNICEF Mozambique. Tel: (+258) 82 3121820; Email: tdelvignejean@unicef.org
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