Cyclone Idai made landfall in Mozambique on 14th March, causing catastrophic flooding and strong winds which have so far killed 598 people in the country, and injured more than 1600.

Officials have warned that the death toll is likely to increase as more bodies are expected to be found when the flood waters recede.

What You Need To Know:

• The United Nations has said that, as of 5th April, more than 1.85 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

• Latest figures from Mozambique’s National Institute of Disaster Management (INGC), indicate 142,000 individuals have been displaced and taken shelter in evacuation centres in the four central provinces of Sofala, Zambezia, Tete and Manica.

• According to government reports, 97,424 houses have been completely destroyed, 103,537 houses have been partially destroyed and 15,784 have been flooded.

• As of 5th April, 2094 cases of cholera have been recorded. There have been two deaths so far, according to the Ministry of Health. Of the recorded cases, 353 were reported in the last 24 hours.

• At least 715,300 hectares of crop land has been destroyed; this will have significant impact on food insecurity levels over the coming months.

• More than 3,300 classrooms have been damaged as well as 53 health facilities.

One of The Worst Tropical Cyclones to Strike Africa

In early March 2019, central and northern Mozambique experienced heavier than normal seasonal rains, leading to flooding and displacement of thousands of families. Then tropical cyclone Idai made landfall in Beira on 14 March, exacerbating an already serious situation and resulting in days of torrential rainfall, burst riverbanks, and subsequent flooding. Idai wreaked massive destruction, jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of more than 1.7 million people along its path in Mozambique alone.

Millions Affected Across Four Countries

Cyclone Idai affected communities across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Madagascar. In Mozambique, the Cyclone forced a national state of damage,  including severe devastation struck upon homes, businesses and livelihood for hundreds of thousands of families. 100,000 homes have either been destroyed completely, partially destroyed or have been flooded. Farmers have lost thousands of hectares of cultivated farmland, although business are beginning to re-open the prices of commodities have increased dramatically.

Public Health Issues on the Rise

The damage of infrastructure, flood waters and the environment increases the chances of water contamination. This has exacerbated the risk of the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera.  As of 5th April, 2094 cases of cholera have been recorded including two deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.  In response to the cholera outbreak, 7 cholera treatment centres have opened across affected areas.

Islamic Relief is currently supporting the victims of Cyclone Idai. There is rising demand for shelter, agricultural support and WASH services.