SCOTS have been praised for their kind hearts after raising almost £2 million for the survivors of the killer cyclone that swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
However those who have not yet donated to the emergency appeal have been urged to respond.
Yesterday a poignant reminder of the plight facing the survivors of Cyclone Idai was staged in Glasgow.
Activists from the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) used a water pump and emergency tent to promote the appeal in an attempt to take the Scottish fundraising total past £2m.
It was launched last week by Scotland’s leading aid organisations through the DEC after the cyclone left a trail of disaster, killing at least 700 people and leaving 2.5m in need of humanitarian assistance.
As flood levels begin to recede, work to clear debris, reopen roads and reconnect electricity and water supplies has started. However, cholera cases have been reported and there is a high risk of outbreaks as supplying clean water remains a significant challenge, according to the charities. Aid workers in the disaster zone say the full impact of the disaster has yet to be established and difficulties in reaching some areas are continuing as many bridges were washed away.
DEC member charities in Scotland, which include Save the Children, Tearfund, Christian Aid, Oxfam, British Red Cross and Islamic Relief, are working closely with national partners to support Government-led relief efforts.
The appeal has now raised £23m across the UK. “We know how much so many people care in Scotland when disaster strikes on this scale,” said DEC chair in Scotland, Sally Foster Fulton. “The people of Scotland have once again shown they are outstanding global citizens. However, this emergency is far from over so if you haven’t done so already, please donate to the DEC appeal.”
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