Cyclone Idai: HI staff in Beira, Mozambique, confirmed safe.
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.
A family in Beira, Mozambique, begins to repair the damage of Clyclone 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
HI logistics expert, Fabrice Renoux, will join the team in Mozambique to assess how HI 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 organisations as they try to respond as rapidly as possible.”
Including the most vulnerable in emergency response
HI 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
