THOUSANDS of people at risk of starvation in Southern Africa will receive emergency food packs and urgent humanitarian help, thanks to a £50,000 boost from the Worcestershire Freemasons.
The cash has been sent to Plan International UK, a children’s charity which advances children’s rights and equality for girls all over the world.
An estimated 45million people are likely to be affected by record high temperatures and low rainfall, which has led to the worst drought for 35 years in the region. The world-famous Victoria Falls has become a trickle and Lake Kariba, a critical water source for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is only 16 per cent full.
An estimated 70 per cent of rural water sources in Zimbabwe have dried up and last year cyclones Idai and Kenneth caused widespread and destructive flooding.
Combined with the volatile political and economic situation in many states, food prices have risen sharply, families have been forced to reduce the quantity and frequency of meals, and often forgo healthcare. Many children are missing school to help support their families.
Rose Caldwell, Plan International UK chief executive, said the organisation was grateful for the generous grant
Jonathan Swift, from the Worcestershire Freemasons, added the group was pleased to help.
