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Support pledged for cyclone-hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe

Extensive damage still needs clearing up in the wake of Cyclone Idai, which devastated the lives of more than 2.6 million people between 14-15 March. The UN has described it as one of the worst weather-related disasters ever to hit Africa.

To help alleviate the situation, Grundfos has promised to provide equipment, expertise and, along with UNICEF, World Vision and local distributors, assess sustainable long-term solutions. Work will include rehabilitation of damaged boreholes, cleaning of drinking water and support for farmers who have lost their livelihoods.

Grundfos South Africa is coordinating the mission to establish access to safe, reliable drinking water as quickly as possible.

“Ever since the disaster hit, we have worked closely with our partners on the ground to assess the situation and provide our knowledge and solutions to establish access to safe water. The rebuilding process begins with water because, as these sad circumstances put into stark focus, access to safe water is an absolute life necessity. It is our duty to help,” says Mads Nipper, CEO, Group President, Grundfos. 

In a separate initiative immediately after the cyclone, the Poul Due Jensen Foundation reached out to help victims through donations. The foundation, which is Grundfos’ majority shareholder, donated 1 million DKK to Water Mission to help people in Malawi affected by the cyclone, while PlanBørnefonden (Plan International) received 1 million DKK to help in Mozambique.