Mozambique gets $150m for Cyclone recovery

The World Bank has allocated $150 million from its designated funds for Mozambique to assist in the country’s recovery efforts following Cyclone Freddy.

Cyclone Freddy was one of the deadliest storms to hit the continent in the past 20 years, causing devastation in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. It first struck in late February and then made landfall again in March. The region reported over 1,000 casualties.

Xavier Chavana, the World Bank’s disaster risk management specialist in Mozambique, stated that their priority is to support the government in responding to this emergency swiftly and ensuring that the affected individuals can recover as soon as possible.

The allocated funds will aid the Mozambican government in restoring transportation infrastructure and providing essential services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

These funds are sourced from the World Bank’s existing projects in Mozambique and are separate from the $300 million grant approved in July, comprising $100 million in grant money and $50 million in credit extended by the bank.

In March, Cyclone Freddy caused extensive damage in central Mozambique, including roof demolitions and widespread flooding around the port of Quelimane, before moving inland towards Malawi, where heavy rains triggered landslides.