Cyclone Idai first made landfall during the night of March 14, leaving a trail of destruction across the three Southern African countries. While the full impact of the cyclone was yet to be established, vital infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, sanitation facilities, and communication networks had been damaged, Amnesty International Southern Africa regional director Deprose Muchena said in a statement.

Thousands of acres of crops nearing harvest had been destroyed, raising fears of severe food insecurity in the months ahead.

“Cyclone Idai has left a trail of suffering, causing even more chaos in its aftermath. While international aid agencies and foreign and affected governments are racing against time to save more people, a lot more financial and technical resources are needed to ensure that people have access to the essential services they need,” Muchena said.

While the government-led humanitarian response in all three affected countries continued to scale-up, a massive gap remained in funds needed to mount the necessary response. Of about US390 million required, only US88 million had been received.

“It is clear that Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe cannot cope with the devastating aftermath on their own. While the international community has been sending assistance and aid, this is not enough to address the devastating impact of the cyclone. Providing more assistance is imperative to protect human rights,” Muchena said.

Thousands of cholera cases had been reported in the three countries since Cyclone Idai, resulting in a number of deaths, after people drank contaminated water due to disruption of usual water treatment. Thousands had received treatment and a vaccination programme was now in place. Thousands of cases of malaria, more than usual, had also been reported.

“Thousands of people are still struggling to meet their basic needs as they still face food shortages, health risks, and lack access to clean water as a result of damaged infrastructure. More international assistance is needed to ensure that people do not run out of essentials like food, drinking water, and medical supplies.

“This situation shows how people’s rights are at risk and need to be urgently protected, not only now, but also in the months to come during which the effects of the cyclone will still be felt,” Muchena said.

African News Agency (ANA)