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.

1.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-47637166

2.  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/19/world/africa/mozambique-cyclone.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article&region=Footer

SIM Asset Publisher Portlet

Asset Publisher

SIM Asset Publisher Portlet

Asset Publisher

Related stories

In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom

When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.

Ken & Gwen Baker have spent 40+ years engaged in mission work and adventures with God

Ken and Gwen Baker have retired after 43 years of faithful service with SIM — a life devoted to God, to their teammates, and to equipping others for ministry. They spent decades planting churches in West Africa, fostering intercultural ministry, and shaping mission training that continues to impact workers worldwide. As they step into a new season of life, their story serves as a powerful reminder of how God uses ordinary people, willing to follow his call, to build His church and transform lives.

What might God do in 2025?

As we step into 2025, there is a sense of excitement and expectancy among those serving in mission work worldwide. From remote villages to bustling cities, SIM’s Entity Directors are preparing for what lies ahead, trusting God to bring transformation and hope to unreached and underserved communities. To gain insight into their vision and prayers for the year, we spoke with leaders across the globe about their hopes, challenges, and how the global Christian community can pray and support their work.

How the local church in France adapts to secularism and a changing society

France is a country of contrasts: rich in history, arts, and culture. Yet, as French native Vincent, Head of Communications for SIM France/Belgium, explains, it is also a nation of deep spiritual need. Things are starting to change, though. There is a growing openness to faith and a pressing need for mission work.