Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has provided support cash to 530 households in Traditional Authorities Kaduya and Kaledzera in Phalombe. The cash will be helpful to families in the district administration they protect themselves Tropical Cyclone Jude.
The organisation has confirmed that the district and most parts of the Southern Regions continue to receive rains. These rains are the precursor to the tropical cyclone.
The Malawi Red Cross Society has been helping disaster struck communities and families for several years. They have disbursed the support cash under Enabling Effective Disaster Risk Management. The programme, in itself is working through Systems of Interagency Anticipatory Action (DRIMIAA)
MRCS District Coordinator, Yamikani Makwinja Munthali spoke to the beneficiaries during the cash disbursement. She said the organization has so far transferred K70, 000 cash to each beneficiary household.
The funds aim to help them cope up with the effects of various disasters, including Tropical Cyclone Jude. The organization has also urged the household beneficiaries to use the money for the intended purpose.
The upcoming cyclone is expected to hit several communities across Malawi. The preparation for the eventualities include cash transfers to warn the communities ahead of time.
They can use this cash to prepare for their evacuation and protecting their personal belongings. The organization has confirmed that they will support the people of Phalombe during and after this the cyclone for the period of recovery.
The Malawi Red Cross Society will reach out to everyone who may be affected. Speaking during a media interview, one of the beneficiaries, Modester Halapera aged 83, from Halapera Village, Traditional Authority Kaduya said she will use the money to buy maize and support her grandchildren.
“This cash is timely as most of us have no food in our homes. I will use this money to buy food and support my grandchildren during this period of Cyclone Jude,” she added.
MRCS is implementing DRIMIAA with support from the Danish Red Cross and the European Union Humanitarian Aid.
The project is scheduled to end in September 2025. Essentially, DRIMIAA targets people with disabilities, the elderly, women and men who face challenges resulting from disasters.