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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
EXECUTIVE director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Mr David Beasely, is expected in the country next month ahead of the launch of the country’s humanitarian appeal that will run until April 2020.

This was said by the director of the Civil Protection Unit, Mr Nathan Nkomo, in an interview.

The new appeal will replace the Flash Appeal which was launched early this year to deal with the immediate challenges brought about by the drought and Cyclone Idai.

“You know the Flash Appeal which the UN had prepared, it ended in June and now we are working together with partners to come up with a humanitarian appeal which covers a longer period than a Flash Appeal,” Mr Nkomo said.

“This humanitarian appeal will go up to April 2020, which is the date for the next harvest so that people can get assistance. That plan will be launched on the 6th of August this year and will coincide with the visit of the director of the World Food Programme.

“The humanitarian response plan will be the basis of our new appeal because it will capture infrastructure which is a key driver of all these other activities.”

The country launched a US$620 million appeal for international humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of the Cyclone Idai.

The cyclone affected districts in some parts of Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces.

The brunt of the cyclone was concentrated in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, with at least 50 percent of the population affected.

Over 300 people were killed, including significant damage to crops, livestock and infrastructure including roads, bridges, water installations, power and communication and homes, schools and community structures.