Oxfam responds as Cyclone Idai leaves trail of death, destruction and homelessness in southern Africa

Published on

Oxfam is responding to help people affected by Cyclone Idai, which hit Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the end of last week. Scores of people have been killed, several hundred more are still missing and almost a million have been left destitute and in need of aid and basic services.

Oxfam teams are assessing the needs of people worst affected in all three countries. They are reporting extensive damage to homes and crops. Some areas have been rendered impassable with roads and bridges and phone lines having been washed away.

Winds of up to 140km/h caused damage which is likely to run into millions of dollars. The Presidents of Zimbabwe and Mozambique have both declared a national disaster.

Oxfam’s southern Africa Regional Director Nellie Nyangwa said: “The impact on affected areas has been devastating. We expect that there will be over a million people affected in the region. We are already beginning to focus on work that will help recover people’s livelihoods, prevent water borne diseases, and protect displaced people.”

Oxfam is responding with water, sanitation services, food and other non-food items.

/Ends

Press contact

For comments, interviews, or information please contact Sarah Dransfield (Senior Press Officer):