A minority wants Parliament to help countries affected by Hurricane Idai

General News of Monday, March 25, 2019

Source: citinewsroom.com

2019-03-25

The parliamentary minority asked MPs to provide badistance to countries affected by Hurricane Idai.

Hundreds of people have died and thousands more have been displaced by the cyclone in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Foreign Affairs Spokesman Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted Ghana's expertise in humanitarian aid.

"I plead with the President, for this House to go beyond solidarity with mere words. Although I do not exclude soothing words at times like these, I suggest, Mr. President, if you wish, that all Members make voluntary donations, in cash or in kind, which should be combined and donate to our fellow Africans in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe who are in urgent need of badistance.

"I am convinced that under the direction of our very respectful minister, the Reverend Minister, the Speaker of the House, who has all positively communicated to us, including my humble self, this proposal will be made to inspire all, including the the people we represent in this august House. . "

He also deplored the lack of technology in Africa to accurately predict natural disasters and allow countries to manage the impact of these disasters.

Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Oquaye has instructed the leaders of both sides to meet and make recommendations by Wednesday on how to badist the parliament and the state in general.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has already indicated that Ghana is ready to help the people of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe severely affected by Cyclone Idai.

Cyclone Idai, considered one of the worst tropical cyclones ever recorded in Africa, has become a benchmark for some environmentalists in the face of imminent danger of climate change on the African continent.

At least 500 people were reportedly killed, several hundred people reported missing and more than 2.5 million people reportedly affected in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe due to high winds and severe floods.

Effects of Cyclone Idai

In Zimbabwe, at least 98 people have died and 217 people are missing in the east and south of the country, the government said.

In Malawi, the UN announced that more than 80,000 people have been displaced by the cyclone.

Large areas of Mozambique have been swallowed up by cyclones in low-lying coastal areas, while heavy rains have caused landslides and floods in Malawi and Zimbabwe.