UAE pledges $2 million to help victims of Mozambique cyclone

Dubai Cares says the money will help rebuild schools damaged by Cyclone Idai

A residential neighbourhood in Beira, Mozambique, impacted by Cyclone Idai. Guillem Sartorio / Bloomberg

The UAE has pledged $2 million (Dh7.34m) to help victims of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.

The devastating tropical storm struck the southern African country in March, causing more than 750 deaths.

On Tuesday, Dubai Cares, a charitable organisation founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the money would go towards helping rebuild schools damaged by the cyclone.

Government officials announced the aid during the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund's spring meetings in Washington.

"The loss of life, destruction and suffering that has resulted from this natural disaster is heartbreaking," said Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive of Dubai Cares.

“Children, the most vulnerable victims of any disaster, are at the moment facing tremendous distress and uncertainty.

“Through this intervention, we hope to re-establish access to education. We look forward to providing temporary learning spaces and support materials and training to affected learners and teachers.”

Cyclone Idai made landfall in southern Africa on March 14 and went on to affect large swathes of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

In Mozambique, more than 239,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by high winds and flooding.

Initial estimates suggest more than 3,300 classrooms were wiped out, leaving more than 250,000 children out of school.