Goto main content

Cyclone Idai: Extreme concern for welfare of people in Mozambique

Emergency
Mozambique

After more than 48 hours cut off from the outside world, the first images and reports are arriving from Beira, the Mozambican city devastated by cyclone Idai on the 15th of March. Humanity & Inclusion is planning an emergency response to reach the most vulnerable people.

A family in Beira, Mozambique, begins to repair the damage of Cyclone Idai 18/03/2019

A family in Beira, Mozambique, begins to repair the damage of Cyclone Idai 18/03/2019 | © Candido Jesus/HI

City destroyed beyond recognition

The damage is greater than expected, with many areas destroyed beyond recognition. The president of Mozambique has stated that the more than 1,000 people may have been killed. HI’s staff and their families based in Beira are safe.  

Rural areas unreachable

We do not yet have accurate information from surrounding rural areas and are extremely concerned for the welfare of people who have not yet been reached.

Getting help to where it is needed most

Humanity & Inclusion logistics expert, Fabrice Renoux, will join the team in Mozambique to assess how the organization can best contribute to the emergency response. He explained the situation before leaving for Beira:

"At this stage, we don’t know exactly what the needs are. Once on the ground we will be able to gather information in order to find out where the most vulnerable people are and what they most urgently need."

"My role is to identify gaps in the infrastructure, for example blocked or destroyed roads and to problem-solve in order to facilitate the work of all humanitarian organizations as they try to respond as rapidly as possible."

Including the most vulnerable in emergency response

Humanity & Inclusion plans to provide logistics support and to ensure that the emergency response is inclusive – meaning that people with disabilities, the elderly and the vulnerable have access to essential and appropriate support.

Following an evaluation of the needs, HI’s actions may include:

  • Direct food assistance including nutritional treatment for malnourished children
  • Provision of water treatment and hygiene promotion
  • Shelter and non-food items (kitchen kits, hygiene kits, agricultural tools)
  • Protecting the most vulnerable.
Date published: 03/19/19

COUNTRIES

Where we work
 

Get the latest news about Humanity & Inclusion's work delivered straight to your inbox.