Harvests destroyed in Mozambique: HI will distribute essential food rations
In regions of Mozambique devastated by Cyclone Idai, food insecurity is expected to rocket in the coming months. HI will distribute kits of essential food-stuffs to 12,000 families.
HI’s logistics team assesses transport options to improve access to rural areas | © Fabrice Renoux / HI
Crops Ruined
Cyclone Idai, which struck the coast of Mozambique on the 14th of March created flooding on a colossal scale. The water levels are now falling but an estimated 3,000km2 of land is still submerged and 500,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed. The impact will be felt immediately as the majority of crops were almost ready to harvest.
Food distributions
HI will distribute World Food Programme stocks of essential food: rice, vegetable oil and beans to 12,000 families. The WFP has estimated that providing life-saving food to survivors will cost US$ 150 million for the next three months.
Flood waters increase risk of disease
“The risk of communicable diseases has dramatically increased due to stagnant flood water as well as over-crowding in the collective accommodation centres where more than 110,000 displaced peopleare now staying.” warns HI’s Emergency Director, Fanny Mraz. “There are serious concerns regarding the risk of malaria and cholera outbreaks.”
To help minimize the risk of disease transmission. HI plans to distribute hygiene kits, which include basic items such as soap and washing powder to 8,000 families.
1.85 million people affected
Cyclone Idai struck overnight on the 14th of March killing at least 416 people, injuring more than 1,500 and leaving an estimated 1.85 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
Canadian NGOs are mobilizing
The Humanitarian Coalition and its member agencies welcome the Government of Canada’s decision to match donations by Canadians in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development, announced today that individual donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its 10 members will be matched from March 15 to April 14, to a maximum of $2 million.
The Humanitarian Coalition
The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) brings together ten leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during large-scale humanitarian emergencies.
