Turkey pledges support for Cyclone Idai victims

Mirirai Nsingo

Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Hakan Kivanc, has pledged support for Cyclone Idai victims, months after the cyclone left a trail of death and destruction in Chimanimani, a district in Eastern Zimbabwe.

The storm also left scores of people injured, with some of them in need of
wheelchairs for movement.

On Monday, Ambassador Kivanc said a report on Idai, which he saw on the Zimpapers Television Network website, prompted his country to help the devastated communities affected by cyclone Idai.

“After seeing the story, we thought of how we can help. I understand the communities are in dire need of help and I have already received support to buy wheelchairs. The wheelchairs and other equipment are set to help the disabled in the area.

“I understand the people are suffering and so much needs to be done to rehabilitate the affected communities. That place needs infrastructure and we also call on those who can, to support the community get back on its feet again.”

He said preparedness is paramount to save lives in the event of natural disasters.

Cyclone Idai wreaked havoc in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces of Zimbabwe in March, leaving hundreds of people dead and infrastructure such as roads destroyed.

The cyclone moved from Mozambique into Malawi before racing into Zimbabwe, wiping homes and causing massive landslides which buried scores of people.