Statement from Minister Paradis on Canada's response to flooding in Malawi and Mozambique

OTTAWA, Canada, January 16, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, issued the following statement regarding the situation in Southern Africa:

"Heavy seasonal rains in southeastern Africa have led to serious flooding and although the initial assessments of the situation are still underway, it is already clear that tens of thousands of people have been deeply affected.

"In southern Malawi, over 100,000 people are estimated to have been displaced. This number may rise as assessments are completed.

"In central and northern Mozambique, thousands of people have been displaced or otherwise affected.

"The Government of Canada will immediately make available up to $1 million, in response to the situation in Malawi and Mozambique, through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

"We express our deepest sympathies, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Canadians know what to do when people are in need; our values, compassion and generosity guide our response."

Christian Paradis

Minister of International Development and La Francophonie