Cyclone Idai needs persist in Mozambique and Zimbabwe; Japan supports IOM

The destruction Cyclone Idai wrought to infrastructure, housing and health services continues to affect the daily lives of more than two million people in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Food, non-food items, and shelter support are among the most significant needs, according to recent IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) location assessments conducted in the four affected provinces of Mozambique.

Thanks to the Government of Japan, a portion of these needs will be met over the next six months, through a financial contribution of USD 1.35 million for shelter and non-food items (NFI) for cyclone-affected families in Mozambique and related emergency assistance in Zimbabwe.

An estimated 1.85 million people in four provinces in Mozambique need humanitarian assistance. Nearly 240,000 homes are damaged or destroyed, and widespread areas experienced devastation. Seven weeks after Cyclone Idea struck, nearly 68,000 persons remain displaced in over 80 temporary accommodation sites.

DTM assessments across the border in Zimbabwe show that nearly 69,000 people were displaced by the cyclone, primarily in Manicaland and Masvingo districts. The majority of IDPs there are living in host communities, while others are in collective centres or camp like settings. Food and shelter were identified as the main needs.

IOM’s work in support of the Government of Mozambique is closely coordinated with the country’s National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC), the Shelter Cluster and UN and NGO partners.

IOM Mozambique Chief of Mission Katharina Schnoering said: “Cyclone Idai caused extensive damage to infrastructure and astounding human impact; continued humanitarian assistance is required. We greatly appreciate the Government of Japan’s attention to these needs.”

In Zimbabwe, Japan’s contribution will assist the most vulnerable displaced families.

Original source: IOM
Published on 26 April 2019