Cyclone Idai Appeal

Description

Cyclone Idai swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe leaving behind a trail of destruction, killing at least 960 people and leaving around 3 million in need of help. Strong winds and widespread flooding ripped apart roads, bridges, houses, schools and health facilities and submerged vast swathes of agricultural land. As flood levels recede, work to clear debris, reopen roads and reconnect electricity and water supplies is underway. Some people who fled their homes as flood waters rose are returning home but more than 230,000 remain displaced across three countries and are living in communal sites such as schools and churches. A growing number of cholera cases have been confirmed and there is a high risk of outbreaks of other waterborne diseases as supplying clean water remains a significant challenge. The aid effort is fully underway and DEC member charities are working closely with national partners to support government-led relief efforts. They are prioritising the delivery of clean water, building toilets and handwashing facilities to tackle the outbreak of cholera. They are also delivering emergency shelter materials and blankets, food such as pulses and maize flour, and urgent health assistance. Focusing on longer-term food security and rehabilitation of livelihoods is paramount and some members are already providing seeds and tools to communities.

Location