The President of the United States has directed the Department of Defense to support the international humanitarian relief effort in the Government of the Republic of Mozambique resulting from Cyclone Idai. At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Africa Command will respond to U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) requests for support and assistance in the flooded region.

DoD support will be provided at the request of the Government of the Republic of Mozambique.

USAFRICOM provides disaster relief in support of USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance—the lead federal coordinator for international disaster response—when it has unique capabilities that can be utilized in the U.S. Government’s response.

"U.S. Africa Command is actively monitoring and assessing the situation while positioning assets to support the Government of the Republic of Mozambique,” said Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, Commander, U.S. Africa Command. “We are actively working with the Department of Defense, interagency partners, and Government of the Republic of Mozambique to provide assistance."

USAFRICOM has designated Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) as the lead for DoD disaster relief efforts.

Elements from CJTF-HOA have arrived on scene to conduct initial assessments.

CJTF-HOA is working closely with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, the Department of State, and USAID to ensure a comprehensive response to the humanitarian crisis. DoD is prepared to help save lives and alleviate the suffering with timely and significant assistance that meets the requirements identified by USAID assessment teams and by humanitarian organizations working in the region.