Cyclone Idai has brought devastation to parts of Mozambique
By Tim Allan | Mozambique in Southern Africa
Cyclone Idai has brought devastation to parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. SIM’s Disaster Relief Fund is being mobilised to help survivors.
More than 300 people are confirmed dead in Mozambique and Zimbabwe*, but those totals are expected to rise as relief workers battle to reach the most hard-hit regions.
The cyclone, with winds of more than 106 mph and torrential rains, made landfall at the port of Beira on March 14 and then ripped across the country and into neighbouring Zimbabwe.
The United Nations has described the cyclone as a ‘massive disaster’ and estimates 1.7 million people were in its path.
A UN official said: “Victims are reportedly trapped on roofs and clinging to trees awaiting rescue; tens of thousands of people have lost their homes, while roads, bridges and crops have been washed away.”2
Most of the international relief effort is being concentrated on the Beira area and the coastal region of Dondo.
SIM’s efforts in Mozambique will focus on the Dombe district, which lies further inland south of Chimoio and east of the Chimanimani area of Zimbabwe. All the rain which fell on Zimbabwe will make its way to this region of Mozambique on its way to the ocean.
SIM is coordinating its efforts with other mission agencies and with local Christian business owners to send trucks with food and other essential supplies into this area. We supply aid to all people in need, no matter what their faith or background.
In Zimbabwe, the relief effort will be concentrated around the Chimanimani area, with plans in place to rebuild a bridge, provide food for 100 households and deliver other essential household and school materials.
Give
SIM’s Disaster Relief Fund exists to provide help to SIM workers and their ministries in areas affected by such events.
To make a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund Project #88600, please click on the donate button below where you will directed to the donation page.
Pray
• for relief aid to reach the injured and homeless as quickly as possible.
• that SIM workers will be able to show the love of Christ in all they do to help those affected and as they partner with others to deliver aid.
• for God’s mercy in a situation which has devastated so many lives.
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