FNB, through its Disaster Support Fund, has donated 3.5 Million Meticais to support the victims of Cyclone Eloise. The amount was channeled through humanitarian organizations Médecins Sans Frontières and Pro-Vision International, which are operating on the ground, in order to strengthen their capacity to respond and provide immediate support to communities affected by this cyclone in what are the most pressing needs, including access to health services, drinking water, food and sanitation.
At a time when the country was already struggling with the restrictions related to COVID-19, cyclone Eloise made itself felt in the areas surrounding the city of Beira, with winds reaching speeds of 140 km/h and gusts of 160 km/h affecting more than 175 thousand people, destroying and damaging more than 8 thousand houses, a devastating scenario for families in this region who were still recovering from cyclone Idai, which occurred less than two years ago.
For Peter Blenkinsop, CEO of FNB Mozambique, “it is a privilege to have resources available to help when people are in desperate situations. For us as a Bank, it is gratifying to be able to partner with organizations like Pro-Vision and Médecins Sans Frontières, thus ensuring that funds are applied to what is essential and a priority for affected communities, helping them rebuild their lives and become sustainable in their own right.
Médecins Sans Frontières provides medical and health support to affected communities through the provision of clean water, medical assistance, and meeting the health needs identified in the region. Pro-Vision International, in addition, provides immediate food support through the emergency food plan, which is transformed into bulk supplies to communities with a long-term vision by providing seeds to re-establish subsistence crops – rice, cornmeal, beans and oil are distributed to the needy elderly and orphans, working-age adults are provided with seeds.
“The partnerships we have established with the various humanitarian organizations have helped multiply our efforts to support and help those who need it most. Two years ago, when Cyclone Idai ravaged the country, FNB partnered with the same organizations to contribute 4.8 Million Meticals for immediate support to the communities. I would like to thank our staff, clients and partners for supporting and helping to rebuild Mozambique during this difficult period,” concludes Blenkinsop
