News From the Department for International Development 00/00 - 1 March 2000
Yesterday five extra helicopters and crew were chartered in Southern Africa by the UK.
Two large transporter aircrafts will also leave the UK tomorrow. These will carry 69 inflatable boats with motors, 39 self inflating life rafts, land rovers with satellite communications and a UK team of handlers and rescuers. The team of 30 personnel are drawn from trained volunteers who stand ready to respond to emergencies throughout the world. They are from International Rescue Core, UK Fire and Rescue, Royal National Lifeboat Institute and DFID. It will also include more shelter material and sheeting. This brings the UK total funds so far to =A34,2m.
Funds have been distributed through OXFAM, UNICEF, World Vision, Actionaid and Save the Children Fund. We have also assisted UN agencies' logistics operation in the costs of running helicopters and boats into the worst hit areas.
The UK are also supporting work in sanitation, water purification and other assistance to help those escaping the disaster.
The severity of the situation is still unfolding and we stand ready to respond further as needs arise. We have sent three people to Mozambique to help co-ordinate the response and assess the most immediate ways we can help.
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