Luanda — The National Defence minister, Cândido Van-Dúnem, said Tuesday in Ondjiva, southern Cunene province, that his department and others of the Government will continue providing assistance to the victims of the rains and floods hitting the local populations.

The minister was speaking to the press at the end of a visit he paid to the localities of Mupa and Evala, the most affected by the floods from Cuvelai river in spate, following heavy rains hitting the region.

Mupa and Evale lay about 108 and 66 kilometres of the provincial capital city, Ondjiva. "We have come to pay our solidarity and moral support for the affected populations and the local Government", said the minister, stressing that the assistance has mainly focused on supply of military air and fluvial equipment support, tents, foodstuffs, rescue and human resources.

According to Cândido Van-Dúnem, the nature of the responsibilities of his Ministry involve assistance to people in situation of disasters.

After the visit to the above mentioned localities, the minister met with the provincial governor, António Didalewa, and Civil Protection and National Police officials, who briefed him on the real situation and main concerns of the populations.

As a result of this year's floods, a total of 11,500 people were left homeless, having been accommodated in tents placed at safer places. The Defence minister is already back in Luanda.