News
[Sources: ALMA’s Link Officer in Niasa - 21 March 2019]
There has been loss of lives and severe damage done to schools, hospitals, health facilities, Churches, farms and other key infrastructure in many parts of Beira, Manica, Zambezia, Tete and Niassa, and the consequences of this destruction will be the need for the long-term efforts of this country to eradicate poverty and hunger.
This damage is due to Cyclone Idai, which has led to exposure, and vulnerability of many low-lying areas and towns to heavy rains and floods as the impact of climate change continues to influence and disrupt normal weather patterns.
Words can hardly be found to express the degree at which heavy rains have affected communities in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe with current reports indicating at least 600,000 people being affected and more than 1000 lives may have died. Mozambique tops the toll where since 6 March 2019 some districts in the central and northern region have so far recorded 140-180 mm in 24h. Zambézia and Tete in the central region are heavily hit with numbers, which continue to rise at an escalating rate. The earlier reports of 7 deaths and 32,222 people affected by the floods with a displacement of least 4,242 people in these areas by (UN RC for Mozambique, 9 Mar 2019) may have increased, as many areas are completely under water with no roofs or only treetops visible above the flooded waters. In some places, efforts are underway to rescue those clinging to rooftops and up trees in completely submerged areas. The wake up of this Cyclone Idai is so traumatizing, demanding an urgent call for emergency support from all over the world.
Beira and Tete have suffered significant damage to houses as well as health and education facilities. Beira has been without electricity and communication due to power lines and road cut offs as well as water submerged areas.
There are reports for unspecified huge destruction of livestock and planted crops in the affected areas. While many were expecting bumper yields this year, the hopes are shuttered with a threat to aggravate food insecurity in these areas. The Diocese of Niassa through this call seeks to provide lifesaving support focusing on needs such as hygiene and shelter essential materials, prevention of disease outbreaks by sending a team from its clinic for the affected population to access healthcare, and to looking into the lives of those who have lost their loved ones through spiritual counselling and material support. A lot of lives and property have been lost. People are in great need for food, clothes, bedding, housing, medication and any relevant support. Whats more, Large areas have been submerged by water which has left most of the areas impassable and unreachable. This being the case, inflatable rescue boats are an urgent need to taking the rescuing team with its material. In addition to this, the helpless victims are landless as of now and are in need of tents for shelter. Your support in these lines is greatly appreciated to reach to those affected at the earliest moment as possible. The Diocese of Niassa has already in place a strong core team to curry out this relief support rapidly.
Looking forward to generous support be it in prayers, cash and materials.
Sincerely in Christ