§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the emergency help sent so far to Mozambique during the recent flooding; and if she will make a statement. [112694]
§ Clare ShortMy Department deployed two humanitarian specialists to the region during the initial stages of the flooding on 11 February. They conducted rapid assessments and liaised with the Mozambican authorities and humanitarian organisations to help identify priority needs. We despatched a consignment of over 400 tents on 12 February from the UK to Maputo for the Red Cross to distribute for emergency shelter to those made homeless. We also supported the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team who are assisting the Mozambican authorities with the targeting and coordination of the relief efforts. Given the deteriorating situation over the last week we redeployed a humanitarian specialist to Mozambique to work alongside permanent DFID staff in Maputo.
We have mobilised 11 helicopters, including four from the RAF, to assist with the rescue and relief effort. We have also provided US$1 million to the World Food 407W Programme to support the continued operations of helicopters from the South African Defence Force. To assist with the effective tasking of all helicopters, we have seconded a logistics expert into the World Food Programme. But helicopters are not the total answer. We are also deploying 70 boats and specialist trained crews, together with a number of large capacity self-inflating life rafts. DFID has already contributed over £5.8 million for rescue and immediate relief including the provision of shelter, water, sanitation and health support. This funding has been channelled through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, World Food Programme, Red Cross, ActionAid, Oxfam, Save the Children Fund and World Vision. These activities are being coordinated with the Mozambican authorities. We stand ready to provide further assistance.