Mozambique will start a cholera vaccination campaign next week in areas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-confirms-first-cholera-cases-in-wake-of-cyclone-206016">ravaged by Cyclone Idai</a>, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday, after five confirmed cases were detected.

Thousands of people were trapped for more than a week in submerged villages without access to clean water after Cyclone Idai smashed into the Mozambican port city of Beira on March 14, causing catastrophic flooding and killing more than 700 people across three countries in southeast Africa.

With tens of thousands of displaced people moved to makeshift camps, relief efforts have increasingly focused on containing outbreaks of waterborne and infectious diseases.

David Wightwick, a senior member of the WHO`s response team in Beira, told reporters that seven clinics had been set up in Mozambique to treat cholera patients and that two more would be ready soon.

"We have 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccines which are coming in on Monday, and we will start a vaccination campaign as soon as possible next week," Wightwick said.

Cholera is endemic to Mozambique, which has had regular outbreaks over the past five years. About 2,000 people were infected in the last outbreak, which ended in February 2018, according to the WHO.

But the scale of the damage to Beira`s water and sanitation infrastructure, coupled with its dense population, have raised fears that another epidemic would be difficult to put down.

Wightwick could not confirm whether there had yet been any deaths from cholera in Mozambique.

A Reuters reporter saw the body of a dead child being brought out of an emergency clinic in Beira on Wednesday. The child had suffered acute diarrhoea, which can be a symptom of cholera.

In nearby Malawi, which was badly hit by flooding and heavy rains in the leadup to Cyclone Idai, the government said arable and livestock farming had been badly affected and that irrigation infrastructure had been damaged.

Agriculture ministry spokesman Hamilton Chimala said around 420,000 metric tonnes of maize had been lost, representing roughly 12 per cent of the country`s forecast output of 3.3 million metric tonnes in the 2018/19 farming season.

Impoverished Malawi is regularly hit by food shortages, so the damage to the country`s staple grain is a cause for concern.

Zimbabwe`s Local Government Minister July Moyo said on Wednesday the government would spend another $18 million to deal with the aftermath of the cyclone.

As of Wednesday, 713 people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi had died in the tropical storm and in the heavy rains before it hit. 
&nbsp;

Mozambique will start a cholera vaccination campaign next week in areas ravaged by Cyclone Idai, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday, after five confirmed cases were detected.

Mozambique will start a cholera vaccination campaign next week in areas ravaged by Cyclone Idai, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday, after five confirmed cases were detected. Thousands of people were trapped for more than a week in submerged villages without access to clean water after Cyclone Idai smashed into the Mozambican port city of Beira on March 14, causing catastrophic flooding and killing more than 700 people across three countries in southeast Africa. With tens of thousands of displaced people moved to makeshift camps, relief efforts have increasingly focused on containing outbreaks of waterborne and infectious diseases. David Wightwick, a senior member of the WHO`s response team in Beira, told reporters that seven clinics had been set up in Mozambique to treat cholera patients and that two more would be ready soon. "We have 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccines which are coming in on Monday, and we will start a vaccination campaign as soon as possible next week," Wightwick said. Cholera is endemic to Mozambique, which has had regular outbreaks over the past five years. About 2,000 people were infected in the last outbreak, which ended in February 2018, according to the WHO. But the scale of the damage to Beira`s water and sanitation infrastructure, coupled with its dense population, have raised fears that another epidemic would be difficult to put down. Wightwick could not confirm whether there had yet been any deaths from cholera in Mozambique. A Reuters reporter saw the body of a dead child being brought out of an emergency clinic in Beira on Wednesday. The child had suffered acute diarrhoea, which can be a symptom of cholera. In nearby Malawi, which was badly hit by flooding and heavy rains in the leadup to Cyclone Idai, the government said arable and livestock farming had been badly affected and that irrigation infrastructure had been damaged. Agriculture ministry spokesman Hamilton Chimala said around 420,000 metric tonnes of maize had been lost, representing roughly 12 per cent of the country`s forecast output of 3.3 million metric tonnes in the 2018/19 farming season. Impoverished Malawi is regularly hit by food shortages, so the damage to the country`s staple grain is a cause for concern. Zimbabwe`s Local Government Minister July Moyo said on Wednesday the government would spend another $18 million to deal with the aftermath of the cyclone. As of Wednesday, 713 people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi had died in the tropical storm and in the heavy rains before it hit.

Mozambique to start cholera vaccinations next week after cyclone

Days after India sent three Navy ships--INS Sujata, Shardul and Sarathi--to help <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mozambique-focus-on-containing-outbreak-of-malaria-and-cholera-205967">Mozambique in the aftermath of category four cyclone</a> Idai, the Indian authorities on Thursday sent their fourth ship INS Magar to help the south African-country.

The vessel departed from Mumbai for Port Beira in Mozambique and is carrying 300 T of relief supplies including essential medicines, anti-epidemic drugs, food provisions, clothing, repair and rehabilitation equipment, and temporary shelters.

The warship is also carrying a naval Chetak Light Utility helicopter that will be used in the ongoing relief operations especially to locate people stranded in far off areas.

Indian naval crew has rescued more than 200 people in the country and provided medical assistance to over 1000 people.

The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone.

Cyclone Idai hit southern Africa on March 15 and caused extensive damage to several countries in that region.&nbsp;

Days after India sent three Navy ships--INS Sujata, Shardul and Sarathi--to help Mozambique in the aftermath of category four cyclone Idai, the Indian authorities on Thursday sent their fourth ship INS Magar to help the south African-country.

Days after India sent three Navy ships--INS Sujata, Shardul and Sarathi--to help Mozambique in the aftermath of category four cyclone Idai, the Indian authorities on Thursday sent their fourth ship INS Magar to help the south African-country. The vessel departed from Mumbai for Port Beira in Mozambique and is carrying 300 T of relief supplies including essential medicines, anti-epidemic drugs, food provisions, clothing, repair and rehabilitation equipment, and temporary shelters. The warship is also carrying a naval Chetak Light Utility helicopter that will be used in the ongoing relief operations especially to locate people stranded in far off areas. Indian naval crew has rescued more than 200 people in the country and provided medical assistance to over 1000 people. The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone. Cyclone Idai hit southern Africa on March 15 and caused extensive damage to several countries in that region.

India sends fourth Naval ship to help cyclone ravaged Mozambique

Mozambique: focus on containing outbreak of malaria and cholera

Pope Francis will visit disaster-hit Mozambique and Indian Ocean nations Madagascar and Mauritius in September, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.

The visit is scheduled at a time when the countries are&nbsp;reeling under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/185-million-people-affected-by-cyclone-idai-un-agency-205777">adverse consequences of the disaster</a> that hit the East-African and Indian ocean nations early this month.

The pope will visit the capitals of Maputo, Antananarivo and Port Louis during the September 4-10 visit, a statement said, with the precise programme to be decided later.

Days after the disaster, Mozambique said on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-confirms-first-cholera-cases-in-wake-of-cyclone-206016">five cases of cholera&nbsp;were confirmed </a>around the badly damaged port city of Beira.

Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique&nbsp;around midnight on March 14 before tearing through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wrecking an area of 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles).

The powerful cyclone has killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

(With input from agencies)

Pope Francis will visit disaster-hit Mozambique and Indian Ocean nations Madagascar and Mauritius in September, the Vatican announced on Wednesday. The visit is scheduled at a time when the countries are reeling under the adverse consequences of the disaster that hit the East-African and Indian ocean nations early this month.

Pope Francis will visit disaster-hit Mozambique and Indian Ocean nations Madagascar and Mauritius in September, the Vatican announced on Wednesday. The visit is scheduled at a time when the countries are reeling under the adverse consequences of the disaster that hit the East-African and Indian ocean nations early this month. The pope will visit the capitals of Maputo, Antananarivo and Port Louis during the September 4-10 visit, a statement said, with the precise programme to be decided later. Days after the disaster, Mozambique said on Wednesday that five cases of cholera were confirmed around the badly damaged port city of Beira. Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique around midnight on March 14 before tearing through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wrecking an area of 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles). The powerful cyclone has killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. (With input from agencies)

Pope to visit disaster hit Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius in September

Mozambique said on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-cyclone-survivors-face-ticking-bomb-of-disease-205644">five cases of cholera </a>had been confirmed around the badly damaged port city of Beira after a powerful cyclone killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/185-million-people-affected-by-cyclone-idai-un-agency-205777">Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique </a>around midnight on March 14 before tearing through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wrecking an area of 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles).

The relief focus has increasingly turned to preventing or containing what many believe will be inevitable outbreaks of diseases like malaria and cholera.

"We did the lab tests and can confirm that these five people tested positive for cholera," Ussein Isse, a senior Mozambican health official, told reporters. "It will spread. When you have one case, you have to expect more cases in the community."

Health workers were also battling 2,700 cases of acute watery diarrhoea - which could be a symptom of cholera - Isse said, adding the government had organised a treatment centre for cholera in Beira hospital.

The World Health Organization is dispatching 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine to affected areas from a global stockpile. The shipment is expected to be sent later this week.

The death toll in Mozambique from Cyclone Idai has risen to 468, a Mozambican disaster management official said. That takes the total number of deaths in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi above 700 people, with many more missing.

Mozambique said on Wednesday five cases of cholera had been confirmed around the badly damaged port city of Beira after a powerful cyclone killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa.

Mozambique said on Wednesday five cases of cholera had been confirmed around the badly damaged port city of Beira after a powerful cyclone killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa. Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique around midnight on March 14 before tearing through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wrecking an area of 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles). The relief focus has increasingly turned to preventing or containing what many believe will be inevitable outbreaks of diseases like malaria and cholera. "We did the lab tests and can confirm that these five people tested positive for cholera," Ussein Isse, a senior Mozambican health official, told reporters. "It will spread. When you have one case, you have to expect more cases in the community." Health workers were also battling 2,700 cases of acute watery diarrhoea - which could be a symptom of cholera - Isse said, adding the government had organised a treatment centre for cholera in Beira hospital. The World Health Organization is dispatching 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine to affected areas from a global stockpile. The shipment is expected to be sent later this week. The death toll in Mozambique from Cyclone Idai has risen to 468, a Mozambican disaster management official said. That takes the total number of deaths in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi above 700 people, with many more missing.

Mozambique confirms first cholera cases in wake of cyclone

Survivors of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-idai-claims-417-lives-in-mozambique-over-700-killed-in-southern-africa-205206">powerful cyclone that pummelled southern Africa</a> were to begin receiving emergency medicine, food and tents on Tuesday as floodwaters receded, while the Red Cross warned of "a ticking bomb" of disease in the storm-struck region.

Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique's coast, unleashing hurricane-force wind and rain that flooded swathes of the poor country before battering eastern Zimbabwe -- killing more than 700 people across the two nations.

The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Elhadj As Sy said Monday "we are sitting on a ticking bomb" as he called for renewed efforts to address the worsening health situation.

As logistical conditions improved and roads to affected communities have been reconnected, the full scale of the humanitarian crisis has been revealed for the first time since the disaster hit on March 15.

More than two million people have been affected in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi where the storm started as a tropical depression causing deadly flooding which displaced nearly a million people.

Hundreds are still missing in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

"The conditions for rescue are improving. Yesterday a road reopened which was really important to allow officials to work and rescue," Mozambique's Land Minister Celso Correa told reporters on Monday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Sebastian Rhodes Stampa also said Monday that 30 aid missions were flying in while others were going by road "so we can really deliver volume".

"We are packing food and shelter now -- they will go out (Tuesday) both north and south," he said.

In New York, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock launched an appeal to provide Mozambique with $282 million to help with relief efforts over the next three months.

Lowcock told reporters that similar campaigns would be instigated in the coming days for Zimbabwe and Malawi.

'Children looking for their parents'&nbsp; 
Buzi, one of Mozambique's worst-hit towns located 30 kilometres southwest of the city of Beira, became reachable by road on Monday -- for the first time since the storm hit.

"It will now be much faster to deliver aid," Stampa added.

In Buzi, survivor Joao Zacaria said that "one man who had 40 cows lost them all. Forty, can you imagine!"&nbsp;

IFRC head Sy, who had just returned from the region, warned of a "high risk of water-borne diseases" like cholera and typhus -- as well as malaria, which is endemic in the region.

A procession of mourners carried the coffin containing the body of Tomas Joaquim Chimukme, who was killed by the cyclone, through saturated marshland outside Beira.

Many of those attending wore open sandals in the water which was ankle-high.

The UN has warned that stagnant water in many areas, decomposing bodies and the lack of sanitation in overcrowded shelters in Mozambique could create breeding grounds for such diseases.

The government has already identified some suspected but unconfirmed cases of cholera, Sy said.

"That is the reason why I am raising the alarm. Many of these water-borne diseases are a great risk, but they are preventable," he added.

"The worst thing is the children crying and looking for their parents... It is heartbreaking," he said, adding that it remained unclear how many children may have been orphaned.

Medical services in the affected region were stretched even before the cyclone hit and according to aid group MSF, Beira hospital's operating theatre sustained serious damage. As many as 17 health centres have lost their roofs, it added in a statement.

The South African military has deployed several aircraft to the affected area and an EU-funded World Food Programme chopper is supporting rescue and recovery efforts.

Survivors of a powerful cyclone that pummelled southern Africa were to begin receiving emergency medicine, food and tents on Tuesday as floodwaters receded, while the Red Cross warned of "a ticking bomb" of disease in the storm-struck region.

Survivors of a powerful cyclone that pummelled southern Africa were to begin receiving emergency medicine, food and tents on Tuesday as floodwaters receded, while the Red Cross warned of "a ticking bomb" of disease in the storm-struck region. Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique's coast, unleashing hurricane-force wind and rain that flooded swathes of the poor country before battering eastern Zimbabwe -- killing more than 700 people across the two nations. The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Elhadj As Sy said Monday "we are sitting on a ticking bomb" as he called for renewed efforts to address the worsening health situation. As logistical conditions improved and roads to affected communities have been reconnected, the full scale of the humanitarian crisis has been revealed for the first time since the disaster hit on March 15. More than two million people have been affected in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi where the storm started as a tropical depression causing deadly flooding which displaced nearly a million people. Hundreds are still missing in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. "The conditions for rescue are improving. Yesterday a road reopened which was really important to allow officials to work and rescue," Mozambique's Land Minister Celso Correa told reporters on Monday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Sebastian Rhodes Stampa also said Monday that 30 aid missions were flying in while others were going by road "so we can really deliver volume". "We are packing food and shelter now -- they will go out (Tuesday) both north and south," he said. In New York, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock launched an appeal to provide Mozambique with $282 million to help with relief efforts over the next three months. Lowcock told reporters that similar campaigns would be instigated in the coming days for Zimbabwe and Malawi. 'Children looking for their parents' Buzi, one of Mozambique's worst-hit towns located 30 kilometres southwest of the city of Beira, became reachable by road on Monday -- for the first time since the storm hit. "It will now be much faster to deliver aid," Stampa added. In Buzi, survivor Joao Zacaria said that "one man who had 40 cows lost them all. Forty, can you imagine!" IFRC head Sy, who had just returned from the region, warned of a "high risk of water-borne diseases" like cholera and typhus -- as well as malaria, which is endemic in the region. A procession of mourners carried the coffin containing the body of Tomas Joaquim Chimukme, who was killed by the cyclone, through saturated marshland outside Beira. Many of those attending wore open sandals in the water which was ankle-high. The UN has warned that stagnant water in many areas, decomposing bodies and the lack of sanitation in overcrowded shelters in Mozambique could create breeding grounds for such diseases. The government has already identified some suspected but unconfirmed cases of cholera, Sy said. "That is the reason why I am raising the alarm. Many of these water-borne diseases are a great risk, but they are preventable," he added. "The worst thing is the children crying and looking for their parents... It is heartbreaking," he said, adding that it remained unclear how many children may have been orphaned. Medical services in the affected region were stretched even before the cyclone hit and according to aid group MSF, Beira hospital's operating theatre sustained serious damage. As many as 17 health centres have lost their roofs, it added in a statement. The South African military has deployed several aircraft to the affected area and an EU-funded World Food Programme chopper is supporting rescue and recovery efforts.

Mozambique cyclone survivors face 'ticking bomb' of disease

&nbsp;About 1.85 million people have now been affected by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-idai-claims-417-lives-in-mozambique-over-700-killed-in-southern-africa-205206">Cyclone Idai and its aftermath</a> in Mozambique alone, UN&nbsp;humanitarian agency OCHA said on Tuesday, as aid workers raced to fathom the scale of the disaster and determine what help is most urgently needed.

"Some will be in critical, life-threatening situations. Some will sadly have lost their livelihoods, which whilst an appalling tragedy is not immediately life threatening,"&nbsp;OCHA coordinator Sebastian Rhodes Stampa said.

Idai flattened homes and provoked widespread flooding when it made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-idai-one-of-africas-worst-disasters-united-nations-204611">landfall near the Mozambique port</a> city of Beira on March 14. It then ripped through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi.

At least 686 people have been killed by the storm and its aftermath across the three countries, a figure that could rise as relief workers prepare for what they say are inevitable outbreaks of diseases including malaria and cholera.

Mozambique remains the hardest hit by the humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of homes destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced across an area of some 3,000 square km - roughly the size of Luxembourg.

"We can determine the size, we can't determine the circumstance. So we're now going out on the ground, dropping people off from helicopters to determine what the critical needs are," Stampa said.

About 1.85 million people have now been affected by Cyclone Idai and its aftermath in Mozambique alone, UN humanitarian agency OCHA said on Tuesday, as aid workers raced to fathom the scale of the disaster and determine what help is most urgently needed.

About 1.85 million people have now been affected by Cyclone Idai and its aftermath in Mozambique alone, UN humanitarian agency OCHA said on Tuesday, as aid workers raced to fathom the scale of the disaster and determine what help is most urgently needed. "Some will be in critical, life-threatening situations. Some will sadly have lost their livelihoods, which whilst an appalling tragedy is not immediately life threatening," OCHA coordinator Sebastian Rhodes Stampa said. Idai flattened homes and provoked widespread flooding when it made landfall near the Mozambique port city of Beira on March 14. It then ripped through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi. At least 686 people have been killed by the storm and its aftermath across the three countries, a figure that could rise as relief workers prepare for what they say are inevitable outbreaks of diseases including malaria and cholera. Mozambique remains the hardest hit by the humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of homes destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced across an area of some 3,000 square km - roughly the size of Luxembourg. "We can determine the size, we can't determine the circumstance. So we're now going out on the ground, dropping people off from helicopters to determine what the critical needs are," Stampa said.

1.85 million people affected by Cyclone Idai: UN agency

Mozambique prepares for Cholera after deadly cyclone

Mozambique death toll rises after cyclone; Rescue operations still underway

To speed up humanitarian operations, India will send another ship, INS Magar, loaded with relief materials to Mozambique, one of the three countries along with Zimbabwe and Malawi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-idai-claims-417-lives-in-mozambique-over-700-killed-in-southern-africa-205206">severely affected by Cyclone Idai</a>, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

"In response to a request from the Republic of Mozambique, the Government of India immediately diverted three Indian naval ships to the port city of Beira. Over the last several days, the three Indian ships, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul are undertaking HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) in coordination with local authorities and the High Commission of India, Maputo," a press statement issued on Saturday from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read.

"In view of the evolving crisis, India is continuing with its efforts to help the people of Mozambique. To sustain HADR operations, another ship INS MAGAR, suitably loaded with relief materials is being sent to Mozambique".&nbsp;

The HADR brick loaded on board contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials, and clothing items," adds the statement.

"This would cater for approximately 1,000 persons for seven days. In addition, 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines and 400 tonnes of rice has also been loaded on the ship. The ship is expected to sail in the next 2-3 days," added the ministry.

The Indian naval crew rescued more than 192 people affected in the cyclone. Medical assistance has been provided to 1,381 persons in medical camps set up by the Indian Navy.

"As of now, Indian naval crew has IN Helicopter Chetak took several sorties to facilitate aerial survey by disaster management officials of Mozambique, for evacuation of people in coordination with local authorities and for dropping food and water packets in cyclone-affected areas," the press release said.

"Indian Navy ships have also been providing fresh water in relief camps, undertaking community service including clearing of debris and repairing damaged roads etc. Food supplies have also been provided to about 700 persons working in the port area," it added.

The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai that hit Mozambique on 15 March 2019. Assistance is also being sent to Zimbabwe and Malawi, two other countries hit by the cyclone.

More than 400 people have died in the affected nations until now, according to officials. The figure is set to rise as bodies are being discovered as floodwaters recede.

To speed up humanitarian operations, India will send another ship, INS Magar, loaded with relief materials to Mozambique, one of the three countries along with Zimbabwe and Malawi severely affected by Cyclone Idai, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

To speed up humanitarian operations, India will send another ship, INS Magar, loaded with relief materials to Mozambique, one of the three countries along with Zimbabwe and Malawi severely affected by Cyclone Idai, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. "In response to a request from the Republic of Mozambique, the Government of India immediately diverted three Indian naval ships to the port city of Beira. Over the last several days, the three Indian ships, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul are undertaking HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) in coordination with local authorities and the High Commission of India, Maputo," a press statement issued on Saturday from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. "In view of the evolving crisis, India is continuing with its efforts to help the people of Mozambique. To sustain HADR operations, another ship INS MAGAR, suitably loaded with relief materials is being sent to Mozambique". The HADR brick loaded on board contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials, and clothing items," adds the statement. "This would cater for approximately 1,000 persons for seven days. In addition, 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines and 400 tonnes of rice has also been loaded on the ship. The ship is expected to sail in the next 2-3 days," added the ministry. The Indian naval crew rescued more than 192 people affected in the cyclone. Medical assistance has been provided to 1,381 persons in medical camps set up by the Indian Navy. "As of now, Indian naval crew has IN Helicopter Chetak took several sorties to facilitate aerial survey by disaster management officials of Mozambique, for evacuation of people in coordination with local authorities and for dropping food and water packets in cyclone-affected areas," the press release said. "Indian Navy ships have also been providing fresh water in relief camps, undertaking community service including clearing of debris and repairing damaged roads etc. Food supplies have also been provided to about 700 persons working in the port area," it added. The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai that hit Mozambique on 15 March 2019. Assistance is also being sent to Zimbabwe and Malawi, two other countries hit by the cyclone. More than 400 people have died in the affected nations until now, according to officials. The figure is set to rise as bodies are being discovered as floodwaters recede.

India to send another ship to cyclone-hit Mozambique to speed up humanitarian operations

Thousands displaced, acres of lands destroyed as Cyclone Idai wreaks havoc in Southern Africa

Mozambique reported scores more deaths on Saturday from a cyclone and floods around southern Africa that have killed at least 732 people and left thousands in desperate need of help, many on rooftops and trees.

Cyclone Idai lashed the Mozambican port city of Beira with winds of up to 170 km per hour last week, then moved inland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, swamping populations and devastating homes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-cyclone-death-toll-jumps-to-more-than-400-205056">Mozambique's death toll</a> rose to 417 from 242, Land and Environment Minister Celso Correia said.

"The situation is getting better, still critical, but it's getting better," he told reporters at the airport in Beira that has become a centre for aid operations.

The storm has also killed 259 in Zimbabwe, while in Malawi 56 people died in heavy rains ahead of the cyclone.

In all three countries, survivors have been digging through rubble to search for victims, and scrambling for shelter, food and water, while governments and aid agencies rush in help.

"All our food got wet, we didn't know where to go with the children. We don't have anything," said Mimi Manuel, a 26-year-old mother of four who lost her home and was sitting on the floor of a makeshift shelter in a primary school in Beira.

At the refuge, families cooked with wood from trees ripped up by the storm, as toddlers played around battered school desks. Manuel wore a necklace with the word "Hope."

Destroyed houses

"When it all started, people started screaming," another survivor Dina Fiegado, 18, said, describing how sheet rooves blew off and rough walls collapsed in the sea-edge community of Praia Nova, where residents said about 50 people died.

"Some people tried to escape, some people tried to stay at home."

The Mozambican minister said some 1,500 people were in need of immediate rescue from rooftops and trees. Helicopters and boats have been carrying people to safety.

The United Nations' humanitarian office warned that more flooding may come as heavy rains inland poured into the low-lying Beira area and nearby dams filled up threatening to burst the Buzi and Pungwe rivers again.

"We're going to have to wait until the flood waters recede until we know the full expanse of the toll on the people of Mozambique," said UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinator Sebastian Rhodes Stampa.

Some cholera cases have been reported.

Left with nothing, many survivors were fretting for their future, while others mourned losses.

At Beira's central morgue, 56-year old Mika Masseera, grieved for his severely weakened mother, Sumbo Mufucho, 73, who died in hospital following a rescue after she had clung to a tree for two days surrounded by floodwaters.

Mozambique reported scores more deaths on Saturday from a cyclone and floods around southern Africa that have killed at least 732 people and left thousands in desperate need of help, many on rooftops and trees.

Mozambique reported scores more deaths on Saturday from a cyclone and floods around southern Africa that have killed at least 732 people and left thousands in desperate need of help, many on rooftops and trees. Cyclone Idai lashed the Mozambican port city of Beira with winds of up to 170 km per hour last week, then moved inland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, swamping populations and devastating homes. Mozambique's death toll rose to 417 from 242, Land and Environment Minister Celso Correia said. "The situation is getting better, still critical, but it's getting better," he told reporters at the airport in Beira that has become a centre for aid operations. The storm has also killed 259 in Zimbabwe, while in Malawi 56 people died in heavy rains ahead of the cyclone. In all three countries, survivors have been digging through rubble to search for victims, and scrambling for shelter, food and water, while governments and aid agencies rush in help. "All our food got wet, we didn't know where to go with the children. We don't have anything," said Mimi Manuel, a 26-year-old mother of four who lost her home and was sitting on the floor of a makeshift shelter in a primary school in Beira. At the refuge, families cooked with wood from trees ripped up by the storm, as toddlers played around battered school desks. Manuel wore a necklace with the word "Hope." Destroyed houses "When it all started, people started screaming," another survivor Dina Fiegado, 18, said, describing how sheet rooves blew off and rough walls collapsed in the sea-edge community of Praia Nova, where residents said about 50 people died. "Some people tried to escape, some people tried to stay at home." The Mozambican minister said some 1,500 people were in need of immediate rescue from rooftops and trees. Helicopters and boats have been carrying people to safety. The United Nations' humanitarian office warned that more flooding may come as heavy rains inland poured into the low-lying Beira area and nearby dams filled up threatening to burst the Buzi and Pungwe rivers again. "We're going to have to wait until the flood waters recede until we know the full expanse of the toll on the people of Mozambique," said UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinator Sebastian Rhodes Stampa. Some cholera cases have been reported. Left with nothing, many survivors were fretting for their future, while others mourned losses. At Beira's central morgue, 56-year old Mika Masseera, grieved for his severely weakened mother, Sumbo Mufucho, 73, who died in hospital following a rescue after she had clung to a tree for two days surrounded by floodwaters.

Cyclone Idai claims 417 lives in Mozambique, over 700 killed in Southern Africa

Mozambique reported scores more deaths on Saturday from a cyclone and floods around southern Africa that have killed at least 732 people and left thousands in desperate need of help, many on rooftops and trees.

Cyclone Idai lashed the Mozambican port city of Beira with winds of up to 170 km per hour last week, then moved inland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, swamping populations and devastating homes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-cyclone-death-toll-jumps-to-more-than-400-205056">Mozambique's death toll</a> rose to 417 from 242, Land and Environment Minister Celso Correia said.

"The situation is getting better, still critical, but it's getting better," he told reporters at the airport in Beira that has become a centre for aid operations.

The storm has also killed 259 in Zimbabwe, while in Malawi 56 people died in heavy rains ahead of the cyclone.

In all three countries, survivors have been digging through rubble to search for victims, and scrambling for shelter, food and water, while governments and aid agencies rush in help.

"All our food got wet, we didn't know where to go with the children. We don't have anything," said Mimi Manuel, a 26-year-old mother of four who lost her home and was sitting on the floor of a makeshift shelter in a primary school in Beira.

At the refuge, families cooked with wood from trees ripped up by the storm, as toddlers played around battered school desks. Manuel wore a necklace with the word "Hope."

DESTROYED HOUSES

"When it all started, people started screaming," another survivor Dina Fiegado, 18, said, describing how sheet rooves blew off and rough walls collapsed in the sea-edge community of Praia Nova, where residents said about 50 people died.

"Some people tried to escape, some people tried to stay at home."

The Mozambican minister said some 1,500 people were in need of immediate rescue from rooftops and trees. Helicopters and boats have been carrying people to safety.

The United Nations' humanitarian office warned that more flooding may come as heavy rains inland poured into the low-lying Beira area and nearby dams filled up threatening to burst the Buzi and Pungwe rivers again.

"We're going to have to wait until the flood waters recede until we know the full expanse of the toll on the people of Mozambique," said U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinator Sebastian Rhodes Stampa.

Some cholera cases have been reported.

Left with nothing, many survivors were fretting for their future, while others mourned losses.

At Beira's central morgue, 56-year old Mika Masseera, grieved for his severely weakened mother, Sumbo Mufucho, 73, who died in hospital following a rescue after she had clung to a tree for two days surrounded by floodwaters.

Mozambique reported scores more deaths on Saturday from a cyclone and floods around southern Africa that have killed at least 732 people and left thousands in desperate need of help, many on rooftops and trees. Cyclone Idai lashed the Mozambican port city of Beira with winds of up to 170 km per hour last week, then moved inland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, swamping populations and devastating homes. Mozambique's death toll rose to 417 from 242, Land and Environment Minister Celso Correia said. "The situation is getting better, still critical, but it's getting better," he told reporters at the airport in Beira that has become a centre for aid operations. The storm has also killed 259 in Zimbabwe, while in Malawi 56 people died in heavy rains ahead of the cyclone. In all three countries, survivors have been digging through rubble to search for victims, and scrambling for shelter, food and water, while governments and aid agencies rush in help. "All our food got wet, we didn't know where to go with the children. We don't have anything," said Mimi Manuel, a 26-year-old mother of four who lost her home and was sitting on the floor of a makeshift shelter in a primary school in Beira. At the refuge, families cooked with wood from trees ripped up by the storm, as toddlers played around battered school desks. Manuel wore a necklace with the word "Hope." DESTROYED HOUSES "When it all started, people started screaming," another survivor Dina Fiegado, 18, said, describing how sheet rooves blew off and rough walls collapsed in the sea-edge community of Praia Nova, where residents said about 50 people died. "Some people tried to escape, some people tried to stay at home." The Mozambican minister said some 1,500 people were in need of immediate rescue from rooftops and trees. Helicopters and boats have been carrying people to safety. The United Nations' humanitarian office warned that more flooding may come as heavy rains inland poured into the low-lying Beira area and nearby dams filled up threatening to burst the Buzi and Pungwe rivers again. "We're going to have to wait until the flood waters recede until we know the full expanse of the toll on the people of Mozambique," said U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinator Sebastian Rhodes Stampa. Some cholera cases have been reported. Left with nothing, many survivors were fretting for their future, while others mourned losses. At Beira's central morgue, 56-year old Mika Masseera, grieved for his severely weakened mother, Sumbo Mufucho, 73, who died in hospital following a rescue after she had clung to a tree for two days surrounded by floodwaters.

Cyclone Idai: Death toll rises to over 700 in Mozambique

Cyclone claims more than 400 lives in Mozambique

India has sent another Indian Navy ship INS MAGAR as part of its operation "Sahayata 2019" to help the people of Mozambique who are reeling under the impact of cyclone IDAI, the category 4 cyclone to hit southern Africa on 15th March.

The ship contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials &amp; clothing items and would cater to approximately 1000 persons for 7 days. The essential items include 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines &amp; 400 tonnes of rice.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, New Delhi had sent 3 Indian naval ships to the country — INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul which are currently undertaking Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief operations in coordination with local authorities &amp; Indian High Commission.&nbsp;

The 3 Indian Navy ships so far have been able to rescue 192 people &amp; provide medical assistance to 1381 persons in medical camps.

Meanwhile, Indian helicopters are helping in the evacuation of people by facilitating aerial survey and are also dropping of food &amp; water packets in areas inaccessible to reach on foot.

The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone.

India has sent another Indian Navy ship INS MAGAR as part of its operation "Sahayata 2019" to help the people of Mozambique who are reeling under the impact of cyclone IDAI, the category 4 cyclone to hit southern Africa on 15th March.

India has sent another Indian Navy ship INS MAGAR as part of its operation "Sahayata 2019" to help the people of Mozambique who are reeling under the impact of cyclone IDAI, the category 4 cyclone to hit southern Africa on 15th March. The ship contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials & clothing items and would cater to approximately 1000 persons for 7 days. The essential items include 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines & 400 tonnes of rice. In the aftermath of the cyclone, New Delhi had sent 3 Indian naval ships to the country — INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul which are currently undertaking Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief operations in coordination with local authorities & Indian High Commission. The 3 Indian Navy ships so far have been able to rescue 192 people & provide medical assistance to 1381 persons in medical camps. Meanwhile, Indian helicopters are helping in the evacuation of people by facilitating aerial survey and are also dropping of food & water packets in areas inaccessible to reach on foot. The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone.

India ups its aid for cyclone-ravaged Mozambique

Aid workers faced disarray, a clamour for help and mounting anger Friday as they headed out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-at-294-in-mozambique-after-cyclone-idai-204760">across central Mozambique</a>, struggling to help tens of thousands of people battered by one of southern Africa's most powerful storms.

A week after Tropical Cyclone Idai lashed Mozambique with winds of nearly 200 kilometres (120 miles) per hour, rescue efforts rose a gear but the situation was often chaotic.

Humanitarian agencies are racing to rescue those still trapped, feed those who have been brought to safety and protect them from potential outbreaks of malaria and cholera.

"Already, some cholera cases have been reported in (the port city of) Beira along with an increasing number of malaria infections among people trapped by the flooding," said the International Federation of Red Cross in a statement.

The mayor of Diaz Simango told AFP that cases of diarrhoeal infections had already been reported.

"We are running out of time, it is at a critical point here," UN children's agency chief Henrietta Fore told AFP after she flew into the devastated port city of Beira from New York.

Hygiene and safe drinking water are absolute priorities, she warned.

"There's stagnant water, it's not draining, decomposing bodies, lack of good hygiene and sanitation," Fore said. "We are worried about cholera, about malaria, because of the stagnant water."

World Food Programme (WFP) spokesman Gerald Bourke said the aid effort was "slow to start, (but)... is now accelerating, thankfully."

WFP declared the flood crisis a level three emergency, putting it on a par with Yemen, Syria and South Sudan.

Relief agencies said the gravity of the cyclone and scale of the flooding it unleashed had been extremely shocking.

The confirmed death toll in Mozambique and neighbouring Zimbabwe topped 550 on Friday, with 293 killed in Mozambique, and 259 in Zimbabwe, according to the UN Migration agency IOM, which said more than 120 of the dead in Zimbabwe had been washed into Mozambique.

Around 1.7 million people have been affected and hundreds are still missing.

Districts west of Beira resemble an inland lake, and thousands of people are still trapped on roof tops and on tree branches.&nbsp;

The town of Buzi situated across the estuary southwest of Beira "has reportedly disappeared, with the water as high as the palm trees" and 40 prisoners and staff still trapped on a roof, said the International Committee of the Red (ICRC).&nbsp;

"This disaster is a catastrophe," Prime Minister Carlos Antonio do Rosario told reporters in Beira. The government says there are still around 15,000 people still needing to be saved.

Anger

More than 65,000 people are already in shelters in central Mozambique and other sites are being opened.

In Dondo, near Beira, food distribution finally started on Thursday at one of 20 schools transformed into emergency shelters.&nbsp;

"Today is the first day we receive help," said survivor Marta Antonio. &nbsp;

"But they don't give it to everyone, they only give it to those who are in the rooms. But those outside receive nothing," she said.

Victims who were not housed in the centres were frustrated.

They complained that they had been forgotten and for those lining up for something to eat, the food was insufficient.

"I have four children, and they're only going to eat bread? Give me a bag of aid," demanded one man, who did not give his name.

In Beira's Samora Machel Secondary School, where President Filipe Nyusi was educated, more than 1,000 people found shelter, where many slept on the floor of an indoor basketball court.

"Everything is difficult here. I'm fighting for my children to have something to eat," said Celeste Dambo, who said that by lunchtime she had not yet eaten anything since the previous night.

On Wednesday, crowds of people looted a warehouse, taking away sacks of rice marked "China Aid."

"People have suffered for weeks here, and they are understandably worried. This is a very difficult situation, on a massive scale, the response is building, you’re going to have hiccups, (but) a lot more people are weighing in," said Bourke.

The United Nations has launched an appeal for assistance.

'Cholera and malaria'&nbsp;

Meantime the main morgue in Beira is teeming with bodies and burials are impossible because the city cemeteries are flooded, said the ICRC.

"The mortuary at the city’s main hospital is full and there are dozens of bodies that need to be removed and cared for in a dignified way," said ICRC in a statement.

"The humanitarian needs will tragically only deepen in the coming weeks," it added.&nbsp;

The mayor of Beira Daviz Simango has been helping clean up the city, driving excavator. "We are starting from zero, we have started the work," he told AFP adding "our people have suffered a lot". &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the ICRC has set up a dedicated website where missing people can be registered.&nbsp;

Aid workers faced disarray, a clamour for help and mounting anger Friday as they headed out across central Mozambique, struggling to help tens of thousands of people battered by one of southern Africa's most powerful storms.

Aid workers faced disarray, a clamour for help and mounting anger Friday as they headed out across central Mozambique, struggling to help tens of thousands of people battered by one of southern Africa's most powerful storms. A week after Tropical Cyclone Idai lashed Mozambique with winds of nearly 200 kilometres (120 miles) per hour, rescue efforts rose a gear but the situation was often chaotic. Humanitarian agencies are racing to rescue those still trapped, feed those who have been brought to safety and protect them from potential outbreaks of malaria and cholera. "Already, some cholera cases have been reported in (the port city of) Beira along with an increasing number of malaria infections among people trapped by the flooding," said the International Federation of Red Cross in a statement. The mayor of Diaz Simango told AFP that cases of diarrhoeal infections had already been reported. "We are running out of time, it is at a critical point here," UN children's agency chief Henrietta Fore told AFP after she flew into the devastated port city of Beira from New York. Hygiene and safe drinking water are absolute priorities, she warned. "There's stagnant water, it's not draining, decomposing bodies, lack of good hygiene and sanitation," Fore said. "We are worried about cholera, about malaria, because of the stagnant water." World Food Programme (WFP) spokesman Gerald Bourke said the aid effort was "slow to start, (but)... is now accelerating, thankfully." WFP declared the flood crisis a level three emergency, putting it on a par with Yemen, Syria and South Sudan. Relief agencies said the gravity of the cyclone and scale of the flooding it unleashed had been extremely shocking. The confirmed death toll in Mozambique and neighbouring Zimbabwe topped 550 on Friday, with 293 killed in Mozambique, and 259 in Zimbabwe, according to the UN Migration agency IOM, which said more than 120 of the dead in Zimbabwe had been washed into Mozambique. Around 1.7 million people have been affected and hundreds are still missing. Districts west of Beira resemble an inland lake, and thousands of people are still trapped on roof tops and on tree branches. The town of Buzi situated across the estuary southwest of Beira "has reportedly disappeared, with the water as high as the palm trees" and 40 prisoners and staff still trapped on a roof, said the International Committee of the Red (ICRC). "This disaster is a catastrophe," Prime Minister Carlos Antonio do Rosario told reporters in Beira. The government says there are still around 15,000 people still needing to be saved. Anger More than 65,000 people are already in shelters in central Mozambique and other sites are being opened. In Dondo, near Beira, food distribution finally started on Thursday at one of 20 schools transformed into emergency shelters. "Today is the first day we receive help," said survivor Marta Antonio. "But they don't give it to everyone, they only give it to those who are in the rooms. But those outside receive nothing," she said. Victims who were not housed in the centres were frustrated. They complained that they had been forgotten and for those lining up for something to eat, the food was insufficient. "I have four children, and they're only going to eat bread? Give me a bag of aid," demanded one man, who did not give his name. In Beira's Samora Machel Secondary School, where President Filipe Nyusi was educated, more than 1,000 people found shelter, where many slept on the floor of an indoor basketball court. "Everything is difficult here. I'm fighting for my children to have something to eat," said Celeste Dambo, who said that by lunchtime she had not yet eaten anything since the previous night. On Wednesday, crowds of people looted a warehouse, taking away sacks of rice marked "China Aid." "People have suffered for weeks here, and they are understandably worried. This is a very difficult situation, on a massive scale, the response is building, you’re going to have hiccups, (but) a lot more people are weighing in," said Bourke. The United Nations has launched an appeal for assistance. 'Cholera and malaria' Meantime the main morgue in Beira is teeming with bodies and burials are impossible because the city cemeteries are flooded, said the ICRC. "The mortuary at the city’s main hospital is full and there are dozens of bodies that need to be removed and cared for in a dignified way," said ICRC in a statement. "The humanitarian needs will tragically only deepen in the coming weeks," it added. The mayor of Beira Daviz Simango has been helping clean up the city, driving excavator. "We are starting from zero, we have started the work," he told AFP adding "our people have suffered a lot". Meanwhile, the ICRC has set up a dedicated website where missing people can be registered.

Aid workers scramble to get relief supplies to Mozambique cyclone victims

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, March 22, 2019

Rescue teams recovered another 92 bodies, raising the death toll in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-team-seeks-to-provide-water-hygiene-in-cyclone-hit-mozambique-204753">Mozambique for Cyclone Idai</a> to 294, although this is a preliminary figure, local authorities reported Thursday.

A total of 47 bodies were found in Nhamatanda, in Sofala province, according to what regional administrator Toze Jose told the media on Thursday, and he added that there are other flooded neighbourhoods that authorities have not yet been able to contact.

In the neighbouring province of Manica, another 45 bodies were recovered from the floodwaters in Sussundenga district, Gov. Manuel Rodrigues said.

Intensive rescue, recovery and aid efforts continue with a large portion of the territory affected by the storm remaining flooded and tens of thousands of people being housed in emergency shelters until the situation improves and they can return to their homes.

Authorities estimate that some 60,000 people are waiting to receive aid just in Sofala province.

"It's a complicated, difficult situation. Communications are not working. Yesterday, we discovered some flooded areas that we didn't know about, making the affected zone much larger than had been thought," Saviano Abre, the head of communications for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Mozambique, told the media.

"Almost 145 square kilometres (17.3 square miles) have been flooded," Abre added.

Cyclone Idai swept across Mozambique from east to west, heading directly into Zimbabwe and affecting Malawi, wiping out towns and cities in its path of destruction. The Mozambique port city of Beira, with 600,000 people, was 90 per cent destroyed, according to the International Red Cross.

Almost 500 people are known to have been killed by the storm.

In Zimbabwe, which was hit by Idai last Friday, the official death toll currently stands at 139, according to the latest government tally, but authorities fear that figure will increase when they can get access to the entire area affected by the cyclone.

The UN World Food Program made public its calculations of the total number of people affected by the storm, which was the worst ever to hit Africa.

Some 200,000 people suffered property damage from high winds and flooding in Zimbabwe and will urgently need assistance over the next three months and some 920,000 are in a similar situation in Malawi.

In Mozambique, the UN program is currently working with the figure of 600,000 people whose homes were damaged or ruined, but expectations are for that figure to rise to 1.7 million in areas affected by the massive flooding caused the storm. 
&nbsp;

Rescue teams recovered another 92 bodies, raising the death toll in Mozambique for Cyclone Idai to 294, although this is a preliminary figure, local authorities reported Thursday.

Rescue teams recovered another 92 bodies, raising the death toll in Mozambique for Cyclone Idai to 294, although this is a preliminary figure, local authorities reported Thursday. A total of 47 bodies were found in Nhamatanda, in Sofala province, according to what regional administrator Toze Jose told the media on Thursday, and he added that there are other flooded neighbourhoods that authorities have not yet been able to contact. In the neighbouring province of Manica, another 45 bodies were recovered from the floodwaters in Sussundenga district, Gov. Manuel Rodrigues said. Intensive rescue, recovery and aid efforts continue with a large portion of the territory affected by the storm remaining flooded and tens of thousands of people being housed in emergency shelters until the situation improves and they can return to their homes. Authorities estimate that some 60,000 people are waiting to receive aid just in Sofala province. "It's a complicated, difficult situation. Communications are not working. Yesterday, we discovered some flooded areas that we didn't know about, making the affected zone much larger than had been thought," Saviano Abre, the head of communications for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Mozambique, told the media. "Almost 145 square kilometres (17.3 square miles) have been flooded," Abre added. Cyclone Idai swept across Mozambique from east to west, heading directly into Zimbabwe and affecting Malawi, wiping out towns and cities in its path of destruction. The Mozambique port city of Beira, with 600,000 people, was 90 per cent destroyed, according to the International Red Cross. Almost 500 people are known to have been killed by the storm. In Zimbabwe, which was hit by Idai last Friday, the official death toll currently stands at 139, according to the latest government tally, but authorities fear that figure will increase when they can get access to the entire area affected by the cyclone. The UN World Food Program made public its calculations of the total number of people affected by the storm, which was the worst ever to hit Africa. Some 200,000 people suffered property damage from high winds and flooding in Zimbabwe and will urgently need assistance over the next three months and some 920,000 are in a similar situation in Malawi. In Mozambique, the UN program is currently working with the figure of 600,000 people whose homes were damaged or ruined, but expectations are for that figure to rise to 1.7 million in areas affected by the massive flooding caused the storm.

Death toll at 294 in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai

The United States said Thursday it had sent a team to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-feared-dead-in-mozambique-storm-204202">cyclone-hit Mozambique</a> to provide safe drinking water and other necessities after the region's biggest storm in decades.

Aimee Lauer, who is heading the response for the US Agency for International Development, said that an initially light 15-member team was en route to Mozambique with a potential expansion planned once the scope of the disaster becomes clear.

The group will provide chlorine tabs for safe water and hygiene kits to help stem the spread of water-borne diseases after Cyclone Idai smashed into the coast of Mozambique, she said.

"Obviously when you have that much water, access to drinking water for families is a significant necessity," she told reporters.

"That is not something that will be resolved overnight but in the coming weeks, hopefully, and months, as the water recedes and the infrastructure -- water sanitation capacity -- comes back online, we should see that shift," she said.

USAID said it was providing $700,000 in assistance -- $200,000 to respond to Cyclone Idai and the rest to cope with flooding earlier this month in Mozambique as well Malawi and Zimbabwe.

World Vision, a US-based Christian charity, said it has provided aid across all three countries including mosquito nets and chlorine to 80,000 people in Malawi.

The scope of the tragedy is massive with officials estimating that 1.7 million people have been affected, with the confirmed death toll nearing 400.

The United Nations has launched an appeal for assistance but said it did not yet have enough information to give an accurate estimate of the need.

The United States said Thursday it had sent a team to cyclone-hit Mozambique to provide safe drinking water and other necessities after the region's biggest storm in decades.

The United States said Thursday it had sent a team to cyclone-hit Mozambique to provide safe drinking water and other necessities after the region's biggest storm in decades. Aimee Lauer, who is heading the response for the US Agency for International Development, said that an initially light 15-member team was en route to Mozambique with a potential expansion planned once the scope of the disaster becomes clear. The group will provide chlorine tabs for safe water and hygiene kits to help stem the spread of water-borne diseases after Cyclone Idai smashed into the coast of Mozambique, she said. "Obviously when you have that much water, access to drinking water for families is a significant necessity," she told reporters. "That is not something that will be resolved overnight but in the coming weeks, hopefully, and months, as the water recedes and the infrastructure -- water sanitation capacity -- comes back online, we should see that shift," she said. USAID said it was providing $700,000 in assistance -- $200,000 to respond to Cyclone Idai and the rest to cope with flooding earlier this month in Mozambique as well Malawi and Zimbabwe. World Vision, a US-based Christian charity, said it has provided aid across all three countries including mosquito nets and chlorine to 80,000 people in Malawi. The scope of the tragedy is massive with officials estimating that 1.7 million people have been affected, with the confirmed death toll nearing 400. The United Nations has launched an appeal for assistance but said it did not yet have enough information to give an accurate estimate of the need.

US team seeks to provide water, hygiene in cyclone-hit Mozambique

Indian Navy acts saviour in rescuing people in cyclone hit Mozambique

Mozambique: Major humanitarian crisis after cyclone hits Southern Africa

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical cyclone to impact Africa that caused massive damage in several South East African nations -- ozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar -- India became the first country to respond to the disaster-hit nations by providing assistance.

The three ships operating in the Southern Indian Ocean were immediately diverted to Port Beira in Mozambique to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

India rushed its ships --INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul--in response to the request received from Mozambique government.

The category four cyclone stuck on March 15 and caused massive damage in central and northern provinces Mozambique while causing large scale devastation in the city of Beira.

According to an Indian Navy Release, "The disembarkation of HADR stores including food, medicines and clothing to the Mozambique Defence authorities has been completed. Arrangements are in progress to disembark potable water."

INS Sujata along with INS Sarathi arrived at Port Beira morning of March 18 while INS Shardul arrived on March 19.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "In this hour of tragedy, Government of India stands ready to extend support to the affected people."

How Indian ships helping the country

Indian Naval Ships are providing relief material in the form of food, clothes and medicine to the affected people. The Indian ships already had three medical practitioners and five nurses to provide immediate medical help and a medical camp has been set up.

Helicopters on board INS Shardul are operating from the local airport for rescue along with boats. Landing Craft Assault and Gemini rubberised craft with divers are being used to provide assistance for evacuation of marooned personnel.

The Defence Minister of Mozambique visited the Indian ships to oversee the relief efforts.&nbsp;

Reports of about 5000 personnel marooned at Buzi near Beira and those who required immediate evacuation are coming.

In 2016, after a drought in Mozambique, India had provided $10 million for the purchase of wheat and a donation of 100 tons of essential medicines and Transport vehicles for the country's Health and Interior ministry.

This is not the first time India has rushed its ships and provided support to regional countries. In past India provided help to countries like Sri Lanka in the aftermath of flooding in the country.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical cyclone to impact Africa that caused massive damage in several South East African nations -- ozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar -- India became the first country to respond to the disaster-hit nations by providing assistance.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical cyclone to impact Africa that caused massive damage in several South East African nations -- ozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar -- India became the first country to respond to the disaster-hit nations by providing assistance. The three ships operating in the Southern Indian Ocean were immediately diverted to Port Beira in Mozambique to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). India rushed its ships --INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul--in response to the request received from Mozambique government. The category four cyclone stuck on March 15 and caused massive damage in central and northern provinces Mozambique while causing large scale devastation in the city of Beira. According to an Indian Navy Release, "The disembarkation of HADR stores including food, medicines and clothing to the Mozambique Defence authorities has been completed. Arrangements are in progress to disembark potable water." INS Sujata along with INS Sarathi arrived at Port Beira morning of March 18 while INS Shardul arrived on March 19. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "In this hour of tragedy, Government of India stands ready to extend support to the affected people." How Indian ships helping the country Indian Naval Ships are providing relief material in the form of food, clothes and medicine to the affected people. The Indian ships already had three medical practitioners and five nurses to provide immediate medical help and a medical camp has been set up. Helicopters on board INS Shardul are operating from the local airport for rescue along with boats. Landing Craft Assault and Gemini rubberised craft with divers are being used to provide assistance for evacuation of marooned personnel. The Defence Minister of Mozambique visited the Indian ships to oversee the relief efforts. Reports of about 5000 personnel marooned at Buzi near Beira and those who required immediate evacuation are coming. In 2016, after a drought in Mozambique, India had provided $10 million for the purchase of wheat and a donation of 100 tons of essential medicines and Transport vehicles for the country's Health and Interior ministry. This is not the first time India has rushed its ships and provided support to regional countries. In past India provided help to countries like Sri Lanka in the aftermath of flooding in the country.

India is first country to offer help to African nations wracked by Cyclone Idai

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 19th, 2019

Watch: WION Gravitas, 19th March, 2019

mozambique

Mozambique, News on Mozambique, stories on Mozambique, articles on Mozambique, Mozambique stories at Wion, Mozambique news, Mozambique latest news