World Bank gives $545mn for cyclone-hit southern Africa

MAPUTO: The World Bank will extend more than half-a-billion dollars in grants for cyclone-ravaged southern African countries, its chief announced Friday as he concluded a visit to Mozambique, the worst affected country.

A total of up to $545 million will be disbursed to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi -- the three countries hit by Cyclone Idai in March.

"Cyclone Idai caused catastrophic damage earlier this year that affected millions of people," the Bank's group president, David Malpass, said after he visited the central city of Beira.

"And this tragedy has been compounded by Cyclone Kenneth," another cyclone that hit Mozambique six weeks later.

Cyclone Idai devastated the port city of Beira and its surrounding areas when it hit on March 14, causing huge floods and killing more than 600 people.

Weeks later a fresh massive storm, Cyclone Kenneth, lashed the northern coastal regions of Mozambique, 1,000 kilometres from Beira, and killed 41 people.

Mozambique, which received $350 million of the grant, will use the funds to rebuild water supply systems and damaged public infrastructure, among other things.

Part of the funds will also go towards disease prevention programmes in affected areas in and around Beira, where nearly 5,000 people have been infected with cholera, resulting in four deaths.

Malawi, which suffered floods before the storm made landfall, will get $120 million for agriculture and infrastructure.

Zimbabwe will receive $75 million for social welfare programmes for cyclone victims.