Cyclone Idai survivors arrive by rescue boat in Beira, Mozambique
21 March 2019, Beira port, Mozambique
Survivors of Cyclone Idai arrive by rescue boat to an evacuation centre in Beira. Volunteers from the Mozambique Red Cross are providing first aid, medical triage, emergency supplies like blankets and helping with the registration of evacuees.
Cyclone Idai made landfall on the evening of 14/15 March near the central Mozambican city of Beira. The cyclone – with maximum sustained winds estimated as between 170 and 190 km/h – brought torrential rains to Sofala, Zambezia, Manica and Inhambane provinces. Thousands of homes were flattened by the cyclone and flooding continues as heavy rainfall over neighbouring Malawi and Zimbabwe is causing rivers in Mozambique to burst their banks. Large areas close to Buzi and Pungwe rivers have been severely flooded, up to several metres in some parts. Flood survivors have sought refuge in trees and on the roofs of building still standing. The cyclone caused significant destruction in Beira – Mozambique’s fourth largest city with a population of over 500,000 - and surrounding villages. IFRC and Mozambique Red Cross are appealing for 10 million Swiss francs to help 75,000 people. Red Cross will focus on reaching those worst affected by the crisis. In addition to water and sanitation and shelter, IFRC is also focusing on responding to health needs and to ensuring that cyclone survivors are safe from harm during the coming recovery.
Credit: Denis Onyodi/Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre
