The Queen has made a personal donation to an organisation helping those affected by Cyclone Idai. Her Majesty has also written to the countries affected by the natural disaster – Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The cyclone, which hit parts of southern Africa last week, has claimed hundreds of lives and the United Nations says it has triggered a ”massive disaster” which could affect millions.
In her message to President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique, the Queen wrote ” Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastation and loss of life caused by Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones and those who are in urgent need of food, water, medical care and shelter.”
Writing to President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, the Queen said ”Prince Philip and I offer our deepest sympathies to the people of Zimbabwe, who have been so severely impacted by Cyclone Idai. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, and those too who are in urgent need.”
In her message to President Peter Mutharika of Malawi, the Queen wrote ”Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by flooding and cyclonic winds in Malawi last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims, and to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.”
Thousands of people are still trapped following the cyclone with clean drinking water running out in some areas. The Queen also made a donation to the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal set up to help those affected by Cyclone Idai. The DEC raises money on behalf of fourteen charities when major disasters strike. This latest appeal was launched today.
