Already at the beginning of the disaster, a Spanish benefactor had provided a helicopter to the Vincentian Sisters. The helicopter had been used in the Vietnam war. The two pilots were from South Africa. There were places for only seven people on board, but one day 45 persons were transported - in one single trip. Operating in this way for one week, they managed to save the lives of more than 500 persons.
Means of transport continues to be one of the major urgencies.
The people have responded with gratitude to the help of the many Missionary Priests and Sisters. A reaction along these lines is also seen among some individuals of the government. This is also true of the mission of the St. Egidio Community which, among the new movements, is the one most dispersed throughout Mozambique. In this disaster, the people of Mozambique, possibly thanks to the witness of Charity by the Church, were able to open themselves to the Catholic and universal horizons and to come out from their restricted perspective. In fact, the Holy Father is considered as a Father by the people, and not only by the Christians.