Philip Morris International (PMI) will provide the Swiss Red Cross with USD 400,000 (EUR 356,505) to support the relief efforts in Mozambique following Cyclone Idai, according to a company statement.

Idai was one of the worst tropical cyclones to hit Africa. 2 million people are affected and thousands urgently need shelter, food, water and medical aid. Beyond this, the funds provided by PMI will also support people's livelihoods in the coming months as needs will increase for those who have lost their crops and property, PMI said in a note released on its website. “We are deeply saddened by the impact of Cyclone Idai,” Nicolas Denis, vice president Leaf at PMI, was quoted as saying. “The devastation is massive, and the local communities are going through a very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We are working with the Swiss Red Cross to contribute to the relief efforts and support the country as it rebuilds.”
PMI said, that it did not have any operations in Mozambique, but that it sources a significant amount of tobacco from the country. “Tobacco is an important crop there, representing a significant contribution to the economy. According to our farm monitoring data, the livelihoods of some 600,000 people – farmers, their families and tobacco workers – are dependent directly on tobacco,” the report said.