Second Major Cyclone Ravages Mozambique
Mozambique is still reeling from the devastating impact of cyclone Idai 6 weeks ago but has not been spared from further disaster. Cyclone Kenneth struck the north of the country yesterday.
A home in Beira damaged by hurricane Idai on the 14th of March | © C.Briade / HI (IMAGE ARCHVIES avril 2019)
Extent of the damage not yet known
Cyclone Kenneth brought wind speeds of over 60 mph and torrential rain to the north-eastern coast of Mozambique on Thursday evening. Accurate reports of the damage caused are not yet available but HI’s emergency response experts plan to visit the area to conduct an evaluation. HI’s emergency teams are currently deployed in Beira (central Mozambique), helping vulnerable victims of cyclone Idai.
“We are alarmed by the first reports coming from the region. In recent weeks we have seen the extreme difficulties faced by victims of Cyclone Idai, who lost their homes, belongings and crops. It is upsetting that there may be many more people in need in a country which has limited means to respond.” Marco Tamburro, HI Programme Director, Mozambique
Heavy rains and flooding forecast
The storm system is expected to remain in the region for several days causing continued heavy rain and creating a serious risk of major flooding. Flood waters may destroy vast areas of agricultural land at a time when the country is extremely weak in terms of food production.
