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Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter 

THE World Bank yesterday announced that it has mobilised US$700 million to help people affected by Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

 In a statement, World Bank Group president David Malpass said the bank has activated the International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Response Window (CRW) to provide the money to the three countries. 

“The IDA has been activated to provide about $545 million in total for the three affected countries. 

“This is in addition to nearly $150 million in resources that have recently been made available from existing projects. 

“Together, the total World Bank support to the three countries’ recovery reaches around $700 million. 

“The World Bank is also working with Mozambique and Comoros to assess and respond to the newest development-Cyclone Kenneth,” said Mr Malpass who was in Mozambique as part of his first official trip as head of the World Bank. 

He said Cyclone Idai caused catastrophic damage and the disaster has been compounded by Cyclone Kenneth. 

Mr Malpass said following a tour of Beira’s affected areas in Mozambique, the World Bank Group was working closely with its partners to help people recover from the terrible storms and improve the countries’ resilience to natural disasters.

“Funds will go toward a harmonised multi-sector livelihood support and recovery operation focused on social welfare and community interventions,” he said. — @pamelashumba1