HARARE: The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Zimbabwe said Wednesday it has adequate Jet-A1 fuel for its ongoing relief efforts in Chimanimani and Chipinge that were ravaged by Cyclone Idai last month.
The UN agency said this as it dismissed media reports alleging that it was facing shortages of Jet-A1 fuel for its helicopter that is airlifting relief items to victims after the cyclone destroyed roads and bridges, rendering most areas inaccessible.
"WFP in Zimbabwe, working closely in coordination with Department of Civil Protection and local fuel suppliers, has secured adequate fuel supplies for its current operations. In the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Idai, ensuring access to fuel for relief operations was an urgent priority," the WFP said in a statement.
The cyclone ravaged the eastern and southern parts of Zimbabwe mid-last month, causing extensive damage to infrastructure while the death toll from the cyclone now stands at 268 and several hundreds of people are still missing.
The WFP said it was currently providing humanitarian air services to some 20 partners, supporting the delivery of urgently-needed relief items to the victims in Chimanimani and Chipinge which are the two most affected districts.
The UN agency is targeting to provide food and nutrition assistance to approximately 270,000 people affected by the cyclone in seven districts including in the worst-affected districts of Chimanimani and Chipinge in the next three months.
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