Mozambique: Tropical Cyclone Idai, Update II

Tropical Cyclone Idai made landfall on the city of Beira, central Mozambique on 14 March with sustained wind of up to 185km/h and torrential rains affecting Sofala, Zambezia, Tete and Manica provinces, bringing wide-spread destruction across parts of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. So far there are 1.85 million people affected, including nearly 127,500 people displaced and sheltered in 143 accommodation centres; also 468 people were confirmed dead in Mozambique, more than 1,500 people injured, and some 90,000 homes damaged and destroyed. The impact on food security and livelihoods will affect the population in the long term, due to extensive damage to crops right before the harvest due in March-April as well as loss of goods in markets, seeds and tools. Health needs are also increasing with cases of diarrhoea and respiratory diseases reported.