The Humanitarian Coalition receives Government of Canada support to help flood survivors in Malawi

---

The Humanitarian Coalition has received funding from the Government of Canada to support the life-saving work of two member agencies in Malawi. CARE Canada and Plan International Canada are on the ground responding to the needs of people displaced by flooding.

Four straight days of heavy rains ahead of Cyclone Idai led to serious flooding, leading the Government of Malawi to declare a State of Disaster on March 8. When Cyclone Idai made landfall on March 14, the weather system brought further downpours, only exacerbating the situation.

The floods have affected close to one million people, leaving 56 people dead, 577 injured, and more than 125,000 people displaced. Homes and infrastructure have been destroyed, and fields and livestock have been washed away. There is substantial damage to sanitation facilities, which poses a serious risk of waterborne disease. Protection has also become a priority, particularly for women and children, because of the increased risk of exploitation and gender-based violence.

CARE Canada and Plan International have both been working in the region for more than 20 years. Their emergency teams began immediately to assess the situation and respond to the most urgent needs. Both organizations will be making water and sanitation a priority, will provide protection to women and girls in camps, and will support housing repairs so that people can return home.

Quotes

“Cyclone Idai has had a devastating impact on Malawi. With floodwaters still surging, access to clean water and sanitation is a crucial need for survivors, and critical to avoiding outbreaks of waterborne diseases, which can be especially dangerous for children. Through the generous support of the Canadian government and the Canadian public, we will help to ensure that the needs of children – and especially girls – are met in the wake of this disaster.”  Caroline Riseboro, President & CEO, Plan International Canada

“Right now, thousands in Malawi remain displaced by these devastating floods. Women and girls struggling to survive deserve our help to ensure that they have access to clean water, shelter and safe spaces. Canadians should understand that their support right now will help women, girls and their families to overcome this crisis.” Gillian Barth, President and CEO, CARE Canada

Global Affairs Canada and the Humanitarian Coalition are supporting this response in Malawi through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF). The total contribution for each project is $350,000.