President Uhuru Kenyatta who is also the Commander-in-Chief of Kenya Defense Forces on Friday deployed soldiers to Mozambique following Cyclone Idai crisis that took over 500 lives.
President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday suspended rescue operations, admitting that the cyclone was the worst hit Maputo in the recent times. He however confirmed cases of cholera, also saying the affected families needed urgent humanitarian help.
He described it as the “worst humanitarian disaster in Mozambique”.The storm killed at least 468 people and affected 1.85 million. He said 945 rescuers had taken part in the two-week long search and rescue operation.“We thank all of them. They are heroes,” he said.
And Nairobi on Friday responded y deploying KDF officers who will mostly concentrate on giving humanitarian aide to the affected population. A number of medical doctors from KDF and drivers will help in giving humanitarian assistance.
"The Government of Kenya, through Kenya Defence Forces, offers humanitarian assistance to the Government & people of Mozambique in dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Idai. KDF has provided personnel & relevant resources to aid in urban search & rescue, medical staff & drivers," read a statement from KDF.
As a member of United Nations, Kenya has often contributed troops to crisis hit nations whether in peace keeping missions or during crisis such as that in Mozambique. The Cyclone Idai also hit neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe in which scores of people died.
Last year, President Nyusi visited Kenya where he held a number of bilateral talks with Uhuru. Also, he witnessed issuance of ID cards to members of Makonde community at the coast, whose origin is traced in Mozambique.
Besides Maputo, Port Beira was worst hit by the tragedy, recording over 300 deaths. United States of America has also sent the Marine to assist in search and rescue operations which has however been suspended.