The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the donation, in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, in humanitarian assistance totaling over $1.7 million, to assist communities and individuals impacted by the floods in the Limpopo river basin, namely at Chókwè, Guijá and Xai-Xai cities.

The U.S. will provide $1.7 million in nutritious food for the displaced population affected by floods. This assistance will be distributed by the World Food Program. In addition, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning a substantial additional donation towards shelter, water purification and support in management of accommodation centers, to ensure the security of displaced people.

These donations are an addition to an immediate response by U.S. Ambassador, Douglas Griffiths on January 24^th this year, when he made available an initial amount for the acquisition of water purification and sanitation supplies, as well as hygiene promotion activities to reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks. This was the first step to evaluate the dimension of the disaster and identify the needs of affected population.

The U.S. Government is collaborating with the Government of Mozambique and other international partners such as the World Bank and the United Nations, to explore other responses to flood disaster. We are committed to continue to cooperate with the international community to meet the needs of the Mozambican people.

The U.S. Government will act in solidarity with the Mozambican people who are affected by natural calamities which afflict the country. Since 2000, the U.S. has provided more than $230 million in emergency support to respond to natural disasters in Mozambique.

For example, in 2012, the U.S. Government responded to Cyclones Funso and Dando within 48 hours, by providing over $2.5 million for immediate shelter and water purification, which headed off a likely outbreak of cholera, and also assisted with resettlement of victims. Following the massive floods in 2000, the U.S. provided $133 million in assistance to rebuild victims' lives and also funded infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the Limpopo rail line and the bridge at Xai-Xai. Between 1991 and 1992, the U.S. provided well over $100 million per year in food aid and was also the major contributor of food to the World Food Program, providing over $38 million from 2007 to 2012.
 

Maputo, January 31, 2013