Direct Relief is preparing an emergency shipment of medicines and supplies for people affected by severe flooding in southern Africa.

An estimated 121,000 people have been displaced by the flooding in Malawi alone, where at least 53 people are reported dead. Concern across the affected countries is now turning to the potential for disease outbreaks, with displaced people living in poor sanitary conditions and lacking access to clean drinking water and health care.

The shipment will be sent to Partners in Health in Malawi, whose staff requested antibiotics and other supplies. They report that in the Neno district where they work, around 2,000 people – including 1,300 children – have been affected and that 300 of these people are being sheltered in a school.

Direct Relief continues to be in contact with partner organizations on the ground, ready to respond to additional requests for assistance.

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