Tropical Cyclone Idai devastates Mozambique

On the evening of March 14th, Cyclone Idai swept through Mozambique, devastating the coastal province of Sofala with winds of up to 190km/h. Heavy rainfall across the country in the weeks prior to the cyclone – as well as in the days following it- led to catastrophic flooding across the nation. Thousands were left homeless and crops, livestock and infrastructure have been destroyed.

Responding to the crisis

Doctors of the World has been in Mozambique for over 19 years in the province of Maputo and in Cabo Delgado.

When Cyclone Idai hit Southern Africa last week, our staff and volunteers were among the first to mobilise and respond to the unfolding situation. Fighting against blocked roads, electricity shortages and high water levels, our specialist teams established themselves in the areas worst hit. There, they have assessed the damage caused by Cyclone Idai and put in place an urgent intervention plan.

Our emergency team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists are now situated in the port city of Beira, one of the worst hit areas of Mozambique, where an estimated 90% of the city was damaged or destroyed by the storm.

The situation in Mozambique is still unfolding as the flood waters continue to recede. But the complexity of the response effort is clear: hospitals have been destroyed, and cholera outbreaks have already been recorded due to a lack of clean water. We fear a spread of malaria and dengue as temporary camps are currently housing over 120,000 people.

“The cyclone reportedly killed 417 people, injured thousands and displaced 400,000 in Mozambique”

Our emergency teams are working to help those affected by Cyclone Idai, strengthening the capacity of local health actors in the provision of primary healthcare . Doctors of the World is also establishing a health center to provide medical consultations to 10,000 people over the next 3 months.

 

The need for help is far from over for the 1.85 million people who have been affected across Mozambique. We still need your help to reach as many people affected by this natural disaster as possible. Please give generously today.

How your donation could help:

• £15 could send 14 first-aid kits containing medicines and medical supplied to help those in need.
• £30 could provide 29 kits to treat cholera and malaria – two of the most prevalent diseases in temporary camps.
• £50 could help provide water-sanitation equipment, essential to avoid diseases from drinking unsafe water.
• £100 could allow our medical team to respond urgently and assist more people affected by the cyclone.