International Medical Corps has deployed an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to Malawi to help those affected by massive flooding along the Shire and Ruo rivers. The ERT, comprised of International Medical Corps regional and sectorial experts, will complete a rapid assessment of the situation, identify the most pressing needs, and help expedite assistance to the children, women, and men affected by the floods.
“The flooding in Malawi has affected an estimated 638,000 people countrywide and caused nearly 80 deaths. Many families have lost their homes, their crops, and everything they own,” said Chris Skopec, Director of International Operations at International Medical Corps. “International Medical Corps has deployed experts to Malawi to learn how we can best help those affected by the floods, particularly in hard-to-access locations.”
In southern Africa, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are experiencing heavy seasonal rainfall and flooding that began in December 2014. On January 13, 2015, the President of the Republic of Malawi declared a State of Disaster in the 15 flood-affected districts and appealed for international humanitarian assistance.