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Cyclone Idai leaves destruction in Mozambique, Zimbabwe & Malawi
Torrential rain has devastated parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than 150 people and leaving scores more without homes, power and access to aid. The Gift of the Givers foundation is working hard to get humanitarian aid to affected areas. CNBC Africa’s Kopano Gumbi spoke to Ahmed Bham, Team Leader at Gift of the Givers.
Mon, 18 Mar 2019 11:03:28 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Gift of the Givers mobilizes resources to provide aid in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi following Cyclone Idai.
- Challenges include damaged communication networks, lack of access to remote areas, and estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people in need of immediate assistance.
- The reported casualties of 150 deaths are likely to increase as rescue operations continue in the region.
In the wake of Cyclone Idai's devastating impact on Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, humanitarian efforts have intensified to provide aid to the affected populations who have been left reeling from the destruction caused by the cyclone and subsequent floods. Gift of the Givers, a humanitarian organization, has been at the forefront of delivering much-needed relief to the affected areas. Ahmed Bham, Team Leader at Gift of the Givers, provided insights into the challenges faced and the urgent need for aid in the region.
Gift of the Givers has been actively engaged in providing aid in all three countries affected by the cyclone. In Malawi, where the organization has a local office, teams have been on the ground since the beginning of March, delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need. The situation in Zimbabwe has also been dire, with the local teams working tirelessly to distribute aid to the affected areas. However, Mozambique presented a unique challenge due to the lack of a local office and the slow dissemination of information caused by damaged communication networks and towers.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Gift of the Givers swiftly mobilized resources to address the crisis. Teams comprising 40 rescuers equipped with 14 vehicles have been deployed to Mozambique, where communication infrastructure has been severely affected. The organization has coordinated with local telecommunications companies to establish communication networks to facilitate rescue operations and aid distribution. Additionally, a medical team has been dispatched to provide critical healthcare services in the affected areas.
One of the major hurdles faced by humanitarian organizations in the region is the lack of access to remote areas where thousands of people are in urgent need of assistance. Based on initial assessments, Ahmed Bham estimated that over 200,000 to 300,000 people across the three countries require immediate aid. The extensive damage to infrastructure, including washed-out roads and impassable routes, has further complicated relief efforts.
The scale of the disaster is staggering, with reports indicating that the number of casualties could surpass the current figure of 150 deaths reported across the three countries. Ahmed Bham emphasized that the existing figures are likely conservative, given the challenges in reaching certain areas and the ongoing search and rescue operations. The organization remains committed to expanding its operations and providing support to the affected populations.
As Gift of the Givers intensifies its relief efforts in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, the focus remains on reaching the most vulnerable communities and providing essential services such as food, medical care, and shelter. The commitment to humanitarian aid in the face of adversity underscores the resilience and compassion of organizations and individuals working to alleviate the suffering caused by Cyclone Idai.
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