LILONGWE, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Chinese community in Malawi on Friday donated 52,500 U.S. dollars to the Malawians who were affected by floods that occurred on March 5-8.
The floods left at least 56 people dead and 577 people injured in 14 districts while over 83,000 people were displaced, forcing Malawian President Peter Mutharika to declare a state of disaster in all the affected districts.
When presenting the donation in the capital, Chinese Charge d'Affaires in Malawi Wang Xiusheng said that in the face of the natural disaster, the Chinese community in Malawi feels a strong sense of responsibility to lend a helping hand.
"Yesterday, H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to H.E. President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika to extend deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, the injured, and the people in the disaster-hit area," said Wang.
"The Chinese side is willing to provide assistance within its capacity," he said, adding that members of the Chinese community have always been grateful for the countless support given by the Malawian government and its people.
"Although only about one thousand in population, the Chinese community have voluntarily raised 38 million Malawi Kwacha within the last few days. They believe that ruthless floods will be tamed by infinite love," said Wang.
The Chinese people feel the pain of the Malawian people, he said, adding that he is confident that under the strong leadership of President Mutharika and his government, the Malawian people will prevail over the disaster and rebuild their homes soon.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Malawian government, Minister of Homeland Security Nicholas Dausi thanked the Chinese government and the Chinese community in Malawi for the donation.
Since President Mutharika declared a state of disaster in the areas affected by the floods, a number of local and international organizations, including the United Nations, have responded by supplying support in the form of money, material and human resources to the flood victims.
South Africa supported the country with rescue teams and equipment while the U.S. government donated 193,600 dollars of food, health and sanitation items.
