UNDP Africa Regional Director to visit Cyclone Idai affected areas in Mozambique

April 7, 2019

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Regional Director,

Assistant General-Secretary and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa Regional Director, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa will visit Mozambique from 9 to 11 April, to see first-hand the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai and to support the humanitarian response.  

During the mission, Ms. Eziakonwa will visit the areas most affected by the Cyclone and coordinate with the Government early recovery actions.

Tropical Cyclone Idai made landfall during the night of 14 to 15 March 2019 near Beira City, Sofala Province, in central Mozambique. The Cyclone brought torrential rains and winds that devasted four provinces in central Mozambique and affecting Zimbabwe and Malawi as well.  

The official death toll stands at over 600 people, with more than 1,600 people injured, according to Mozambique Government. The death toll is expected to continue to rise as areas previously cut-off become reachable by road and the full extent of the damage becomes known. At least 131,600 people are still sheltering in 136 displacement sites.

Following the devasting cyclone and floods, the country is now facing a cholera outbreak in the affected areas. The number of cholera cases registered continues to rise, and 2,426 cases have been reported date. A cholera vaccination campaign is ongoing.

The Cyclone and floods also destroyed more than 715,300 ha crops, affected 54 health units affected and impacted more than 3,300 classrooms affecting 262,120 students.

The United Nations has launched a 3 months humanitarian funding appeal for US$ 281.7 million including US$4.3M for early recovery, an activity supported by UNDP, that also included a US$ 1 million request to support debris clearance operations and rapid restoration of livelihoods.