HARARE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday chaired a resource mobilization meeting where various business organizations pledged to donate cash, blankets and medical consumables, among others, to victims of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana said at the meeting that one of the leading fast food outlets in the country has committed to donating food to the victims, and a pharmaceutical company has also promised to provide medical supplies.
Cyclone Freddy left more than 500 people dead in Malawi and also caused deaths in Mozambique and Madagascar as it swept through parts of southern Africa for the second time in early March.
The cyclone hit when Malawi was already grappling with a cholera outbreak. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has launched an international appeal for assistance to ease the situation.
The Zimbabwean government on Saturday handed over 300 tons of maize meal to Malawi to help victims cope with the effects of the cyclone, amid promises of more donations in the near future.
It has also established a disaster relief committee chaired by Zimbabwean Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo to draw up a comprehensive assistance package for Malawi. ■