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Cyclone Idai caused widespread devastation in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, leaving thousands in need of urgent aid. Join us in providing food, water, and shelter to those affected by this humanitarian crisis.
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What has happened? On 14 March, Cyclone Idai hit central Mozambique, leaving 90% of Beira city flooded with water. The cyclone brought torrential rains and winds, and many villages have been cut off by the floods.
Where has this happened? Mozambique has been hit the worst. The cyclone also hit Zimbabwe and Malawi, destroying homes, roads, schools, bridges and crops.
People are in urgent need of help Hundreds of people have died and thousands of people are missing. Thousands of people are stranded by catastrophic flooding, clinging to roofs or stuck in trees. Around 2.6 million people need help to survive the coming days and weeks ahead.
The bishop of Beira, Cláudio Dalla Zuanna, describes the devastation: “Houses, schools, hospitals and churches lost their roofs and in some cases walls collapsed. Several trees fell on buildings, roads and vehicles, making transport difficult. There is no drinking water and food is running out, since a good deal of the supplies we had were destroyed by the rain, or due to lack of electricity.”
Communities in these areas rely on the land to make a living. The cyclone has affected food and water sources. People are in urgent need of food, water and shelter.
“In recent days, great floods have sowed mourning and devastation in various areas of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. I express my pain and closeness to those dear people.” Pope Francis, 20 March 2019
How is CAFOD helping? We are already in the region and are working around the clock to reach people. We have joined forces with other agencies who form the Disasters Emergencies Committee (DEC) to reach hundreds of thousands of people affected by Cyclone Idai across Southern Africa.
In Mozambique: We can reach 1,400 people with food, cooking oil and hygiene kits, but hope to reach thousands more. In Zimbabwe: 9,000 people need urgent aid like clean water, shelter and food.
Was Cyclone Idai caused by climate change? We can’t say for certain that climate change is directly to blame, but scientists are warning us that the changing climate is making disasters more frequent and severe. We know that climate change hits the poorest people hardest.
Get involved £30 could provide blankets to keep families warm • Find out more from the news and our website, and tell others. • Fundraise to help people in need. There are lots of fundraising ideas on our website. • Pray together. You could set up a prayer space at break or lunch. Light candles, write prayers or pray quietly. £50 could provide a family with food for a month £100 could help build a toilet and washing facilities for families who lost their homes
Thank you Many of you fundraised for Lent Fast Day. Thank you! Our long term development projects depend on Lenten and year-round support. Your generosity means that we can reach more families in need. But the urgent need following Cyclone Idai means we must make a special appeal for people who need the money right now to survive and rebuild their lives.
Let us pray Loving God, we pray for our sisters and brothers in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. For those who have lost so much, and for those who are homeless, hungry or in pain. Give strength to those working to help. May they bring comfort to those who are sad. Help us to do what we can so that no one feels forgotten. Help us to work together to bring new hope. Amen
Thank you
