Food a priority as winter approaches

Families affected by floods earlier this year continue to return to their homes, but their living conditions are getting more difficult as winter approaches, according to OCHA. The agency said in its latest situation report that because the floods had washed away crops, and relief aid had consisted of mainly non-food items, food had become a priority. “Relief items so far received and distributed by the government have mainly been non-food items. Malnutrition especially among children and pregnant women for the coming months is of great concern. The food resources of the Department for Disaster Preparedness, Rehabilitation and Relief have almost been exhausted.” The report said the Malawian government was finalising its assessment of flood damage in the central and northern regions to determine the total number of people affected and revise its official estimate of 335,000 people. “The government stressed the acute need of food aid at the meetings of the Ad-Hoc Committee for the Emergency Response and donor meetings,” OCHA said. Many donors, however, have pledged other aid. OCHA said that US $1 million had been pledged to the WFP Emergency Operation Plan (EMOP), which had requested US $3,3 million. It said that to date the governments of Botswana, Canada, China, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States had pledged or provided cash and other contributions. “As of 14 May, OCHA recorded US $833,258,” said OCHA. It said FAO still sought funds for seeds, tools and veterinary drugs for affected farmers in the southern regions and UN agencies were working with the government to identify un-met needs.