Government pledges £175,000 to Malawi floods relief work

The Scottish Government has announced £175,000 funding to support relief efforts following deadly floods in Malawi.

Severe flooding in the south of the African country in recent days has affected nearly a million people.

At least 45 people are reported to have died, while tens of thousands have been displaced.

The cash will help secure clean water supplies and treat contamination.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “First and foremost, I know the people of Scotland will join the Scottish Government in sending our thoughts and prayers to the growing number of people in southern Malawi whose lives have been affected by this devastating flooding – particularly those who have, tragically, lost a family member.

“We have close links with the people of Malawi and, since news of the flooding broke, we have been in contact with International Development and Climate Justice Fund partners on the ground to identify how the Scottish Government can best support emergency relief efforts.

“The funding we have announced today will go to the heart of addressing the urgent issues being faced.

“It will enable our HydroNation programme experts, who are in the region right now co-ordinating relief efforts, to continue to deliver emergency action targeting the most at-risk water supplies.”