DRC deployment hits flood relief

The Zimbabwe government has come under criticism for being unable to provide sufficient relief to flood victims because too many of the country’s aircraft and helicopters are currently deployed with the Zimbabwe intervention force in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). News reports on Wednesday quoted officials as saying an estimated 300,000 people in the eastern and southern provinces were in need of urgent relief following floods caused by Cyclone Eline. Local Government Minister John Nkomo said only three helicopters had been made available, but that more were needed for the relief effort. Opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai was quoted as saying military aircraft were aiding a foreign government at the expense of disaster victims at home.