In Manica province, most of the people displaced by cyclone Idai are staying in holding centers, hoping to return to their homes once flood waters recede. Photo: LWF/Philip Wijmans
LWF team says “most displaced people are still in holding centers”
(LWI) –The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is working with its international and local partners in Mozambique to secure clean water sources, provide shelter construction materials, food, kitchen kits and beddings to families affected by cyclone Idai.
Rita Farriya (center) with her son, Ivo Mateus, 5, daughter Antonia (left), 11, and her neighbor, Catarina Marques (right). They are among people who have sought refuge in Muda-Mufo School, Nhamatanda district in Mozambique after cyclone Idai destroyed their homes. LWF’s partner Caritas Internationalis, and Catholic Relief Services are providing support to affected families. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
LWF’s response will be concentrated in the western province of Manica, where many of the more than 100,000 people affected in that region were still accommodated in temporary shelters including school buildings by the end of March. Emergency and long-term support in other affected regions will involve collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mozambique and ACT Alliance.
Most displaced people are still in holding centers, and if food and water could be provided they would be able to wait for the water to go down and then return home.
“Most displaced people are still in holding centers, and if food and water could be provided they would be able to wait for the water to go down and then return home,” the LWF team noted following a 26-29 March assessment visit to Manica and Sofala provinces. An estimated 600,000 people across the country need assistance.
The tropical storm destroyed homes and crops across Mozambique. Emergency food and other assistance is still required until people can begin going back to their houses and farms. Photo: LWF/Philip Wijmans
The 14 March tropical storm and consequent flooding also affected Malawi and Zimbabwe, with the death toll estimated at nearly 1,000 people in all three countries, according to government sources.
