As rescue and search efforts continue, donations of relief supplies to the victims are pouring in from local people, companies, regional governments and international aid agencies.
Africa – Zimbabwe began two days of national mourning on Saturday in remembrance of the victims of Cyclone Idai which induced floods ravaging the eastern and southern parts of the country last weekend.
The Civil Protection Unit said that as of Friday night, the death toll from Idai in Zimbabwe had risen to 154 with 187 still missing. 162 people were injured while 136 were marooned. The worst affected areas include Chipinge and Chimanimani districts in Manicaland Province, where almost entire villages were swept away in some cases.
In Mozambique, the government declared three days of national mourning starting Wednesday for the victims of Idai, which hit the country’s central coastal region with devastating storms and floods starting from last Thursday. The death toll caused by Idai in central Mozambique rose to 417, Minister of Land and Environment and Rural Development, Celso Correia, said on Saturday.
Correia told reporters that the numbers are expected to rise as the disaster-hit area was of 3 000 square kilometres.
“There is a huge impact on the affected areas, and through drones, we have been receiving preliminary data, and unfortunately we now have 417 deaths and 1528 injured,” said Correia.
The Minister said that some 89 000 people are in shelters, and more are being rescued and evacuated from besieged areas.
In Malawi, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services said Idai also affected the landlocked southern African country. Statistics indicated that one person died in the Nsanje district with about 68 000 people affected in the country.
As rescue and search efforts continue, donations of relief supplies to the victims are pouring in from local people, companies, regional governments and international aid agencies.
The China International Development Cooperation Agency on Thursday said that China would provide humanitarian assistance to cyclone-hit Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The Agency said the Chinese side expresses condolences to the affected people and is ready to offer a hand for the reconstruction work in the cyclone-stricken countries according to the needs of the affected areas. The Chinese government has decided to donate 800 000 U.S. dollars in cash as emergency humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe to help the country with its disaster relief work, the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun, announced Friday.
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The United States, the United Nations and the European Union have also contributed with donations to the affected countries.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has urged South Africans to make donations for flood relief in neighbouring countries battered by Tropical Cyclone Idai.
Sisulu appealed to South African NGOs, companies and individuals to make donations towards humanitarian aid for the affected countries.
“The Minister has, on behalf of the people of South Africa, sent a message of condolence to the people of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and wished those in hospital speedy recovery,” the department said.
“We have directed all our Embassies and Diplomats to continue to work with the three countries to assess the damage. We have this afternoon received reports from our Missions and our teams on the ground who are working with authorities. What is urgent now is the provision of humanitarian aid,” Sisulu said in the statement.
The department has urged South Africans affected by the floods to contact the Embassies or call the 24-hour DIRCO call centre on 012 351 1000.
Gift of the Givers has intervened in Flood Relief in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe since the onset on 6 March. They left South Africa a few days ago and hoped to bring some much-needed relief and aid to those who have lost everything.
They have summarised all their efforts to date along with all the assistance they have received from other companies and organisations. This disaster is very close to home and has affected all our nearest neighbours. Gift of the Givers has made South Africa proud.
If you would like to assist them, you will find how to contribute below.
- Our teams are doing well in Malawi distributing essential supplies to thousands of families in 7 out of 11 affected districts in the south. The Malawi Defence Force has partnered us to reach no go areas.
- God Willing, we aim to deploy water rescue teams, rescue equipment and boats to Zimbabwe. We are awaiting final “release” for some of the personnel from duty.
- Supplies of food, bottled water, blankets and hygiene packs are on standby to assist those trapped and rescued.
- A private company in Zimbabwe offered us six helicopters, two planes, pilots, four boats, twenty ambulances and a commitment to cover all these costs.
- Mozambique is the most challenging; 90% of Beira has been affected with significant destruction of infrastructure, presumed massive loss of life and thousands awaiting rescue in Bizo and surroundings. Beyond these areas the situation is unknown. We have deployed 40 water rescue specialists for this intervention. More personnel are on standby.
- Boats and helicopters are life-saving. The road to Beira has washed away. We are exploring the option of flying our boats on cargo planes to the city to commence rescue.
- By far the most significant challenge is sourcing helicopters, but this is very, very expensive but extremely urgent. We are busy with options.
- Food, drinking water, medical care and shelter are an essential aspect that has to be factored in. Little children and indeed adults haven’t eaten in days.
If you would like to assist them, you can contact them via email here or on Facebook here to discuss how to send in substantial donations.
All financial contributions can be paid to Gift of the Givers: Standard Bank, Account No. 052137228, Branch Code 057525, ref: Floods.
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