Welthungerhilfe starts its emergency response in south-eastern Africa, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai. Millions of people in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe have been affected, further floods are expected to make the situation even more desperate.
Around 2.6 million people are affected by cyclone Idai and its associated flooding. The death toll is still unknown, but according to the United Nations it is likely to be in the thousands. Crops are ruined, millions of people’s livelihoods are at risk.
The tropical storm made landfall during the night of 14 to 15 March 2019 near Beira City before it swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, destroying almost everything in its path. Welthungerhilfe has started its emergency response in the region.
Situation and emergency response in Malawi
Heavy rains in southern and central parts of Malawi had already caused flooding and rivers to overflow in early March, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. According to the Malawi government, cyclone Idai impacted more than 922,900 people, with 56 deaths and 577 injuries recorded. More than 125,000 people are estimated to be displaced, as reported by ACAPS.
The Chikawa district is believed to be particularly affected. Welthungerhilfe is supporting smallholder farmers in this district, using 50,000 Euro provided by the German Embassy as well as its own emergency fund. So far, maize flour and soap has been distributed to more than 2,500 people (459 households).
For medium term recovery, Welthungerhilfe plans to rehabilitate boreholes that have been destroyed or damaged and to distribute seeds or sweet potato vines for winter cropping, as most of the maize harvest has been destroyed. Additional funding is required to support smallholders’ recovery by restocking of livestock, as many cows and goats died in the disaster.
Situation and emergency response in Zimbabwe
Cyclone Idai caused high winds and heavy precipitation in Zimbabwe, which lead to flash flooding and massive destruction. The hardest-hit district of Chimanimani is inaccessible: roads have been damaged by heavy rains and at least eight bridges have been destroyed.
According to the UN, at least 82 deaths and over 200 injuries have been reported, mainly in Chimanimani, and 217 people are reportedly missing. At least 923 homes have been destroyed in Chimanimani, Mutasa, Mutare, Chipinge, Buhera, Chikomba, Gutu and Bikita districts. Around 15,000 people are affected by the cyclone and its consequences in Zimbabwe.
Welthungerhilfe and other organisations continue to assess the situation. Access is very problematic and there is a high risk of landslides. Using 50,000 USD from its emergency fund, Welthungerhilfe is preparing to roll out its response together with its partner CTDO in Chipinge, Manicaland. Additional funds are urgently required and Welthungerhilfe is currently seeking to receive further financial support.
Situation and emergency response in Mozambique
At least 84 people are confirmed dead following Cyclone Idai’s landfall in Mozambique. According to the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, the death toll could be higher than 1,000 people. A large number of classrooms and health facilities have been severely damaged, many areas remain without power. Around 600,000 people are affected by the cyclone and its consequences, 17,000 have been displaced.
In the coming days, water is expected to rise above alert levels in the Buzi and Pungoe river basins, putting the cities of Beira and Dondo at high risk of further flooding. Thousands of people in Zambezia and Tete need assistance following floods that started in early March. Welthungerhilfe is in regular exchange with other organisations with regards to emergency response activities in Mozambique.