Continental is extending its support to the disaster relief efforts in Mozambique following the devastation and destruction caused by Cyclone Idai by donating funds to SOS Children’s Village.
Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) has donated R25 000, while Continental AG has added a further 25 000 Euros (over R400 000) to assist the SOS Children’s Village non-governmental organisation (NGO) – particularly in the flooded communities and urban centre of Beira.
“Cyclone Idai has been described as one of the deadliest storms on record in the southern hemisphere, with millions of people displaced and affected in Mozambique, as well as in neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi,” says Shaun Uys, managing director of Continental Tyre SA.
“In the aftermath of the cyclone, NGOs face the arduous task of reaching the communities that need assistance in order to deal with the resulting humanitarian crisis. Children are amongst the hardest hit, with families displaced or separated, and many have lost everything,” Uys adds.
“We trust that these donations will assist SOS Children’s Village in providing the care and help that the people of Mozambique need in this difficult time, and we urge other companies to contribute to the emergency relief programmes that are currently underway.”
According to SOS Children’s Village, Beira was almost entirely isolated due to flooding, which damaged bridges and roads linking the coastal city to the rest of the country. Linked to the extensive flooding, there is a high risk of water-borne diseases such as malaria and cholera, along with a critical shortage of food, clothing and emergency supplies.
Additionally, there is a need for psychological and medical healthcare and support for children and staff, including those who have lost their homes. Around 17 000 people were displaced in Beira alone, and relief efforts are focused on assisting families with shelter as well as materials to start rebuilding their homes.
