Red Cross commends swift Government response to floods
By Delisa Magagula
Red Cross Society of Eswatini Director Danger Nhlabatsi has commended the Government of Eswatini and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) for what he described as a prompt and coordinated response to communities affected by ongoing torrential rains across the country.
Nhlabatsi said the response has brought relief to emaSwati who have lost homes, livelihoods and household assets following persistent heavy rainfall that has continued for two consecutive weeks.
Several areas have experienced flooding, damaged infrastructure and displacement of families, particularly in low-lying and riverine communities.
“The Red Cross would like to commend the Government and the NDMA for the speed and coordination of their response. From the onset of the rains, assessments were conducted, food parcels were delivered, and affected households were identified in a timely manner,” he said.
According to Nhlabatsi, the Government has donated food parcels to affected families while working closely with the NDMA to assess the extent of the damage and prioritise assistance.
He said this collaboration has helped ensure that relief reaches communities most in need.
“The Government did assessments on the ground and worked hand in hand with the NDMA to make sure assistance is directed where it is most required. This kind of coordination is critical during emergencies of this nature,” Nhlabatsi said.
The ongoing rains have caused widespread damage in parts of the country, with reports of collapsed houses, flooded homesteads, destroyed crops and loss of livestock.
Some families have been forced to seek temporary shelter after their homes were damaged or washed away, while others have lost sources of income due to damaged fields and small businesses.
Nhlabatsi said while the situation remains challenging, early intervention has helped reduce further hardship for affected households.
He noted that access roads in some areas were damaged, complicating relief efforts, but response teams have continued to reach communities despite the conditions.
“As the Red Cross, we have seen first-hand the impact of these rains. People have lost their homes, their food supplies and, in some cases, their means of survival. The situation is difficult, but the response has helped ease some of the immediate pressure.”