Mozambique appeals to UN relief agency for technical support after earthquake

After an earthquake rocked this Southern African nation last week and left at least four people dead, the Mozambique Government has asked the United Nations for technical support to better manage risks and disasters, the UN’s relief coordination unit said today.

The UN has mobilized two helicopters to help officials in northern Gaza Province and southern Manica Province assess the damage from last Thursday’s earthquake, which registered 7.5 on the Richter scale, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Initial assessments of the damage indicate that four people were killed and 36 injured. At least 288 houses, six schools, a water tank, three water points and two small bridges were destroyed.

Resources available in the country will primarily be used for families’ most pressing needs, including food, water, sanitation and shelter.