Address the needs of the population affected by the cyclone, with special emphasis on sanitation, health and hygiene and ensuring that people have access to safe water and food aid.
The number of victims and people affected by Cyclone Idai in Southeast Africa continues to increase. The rains continue to fall, and the waters rise in some areas. It is estimated that 2.6 million people will need help. Oxfam's goal is to ensure more than 775,000 people with water, sanitation and hygiene as well as food in the three affected countries: Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Some areas are still completely isolated because the roads, bridges and communication means are destroyed. The search and rescue and, therefore, the distribution of aid and recovery, are terribly hampered.
In Mozambique, the cyclone struck with winds in excess of 170 kilometres per hour and hit with heavy rains the port city of Beira, where 90% of the land disappeared under water and communication was cut down. Government authorities estimate that more than 2 million people are affected.
In Malawi, heavy rains that have fallen since the beginning of March have caused major flooding, mainly in the southern part of the country. Thirteen districts have been affected and more than 700,000 people need help.
In Zimbabwe, where dozens of people have been killed and hundreds more are still missing, roads are impassable and rescue helicopters are on the ground due to bad weather. It is estimated that there are 80,000 people affected.
Oxfam's initial response will focus on sanitation, health and hygiene and will seek to ensure that people have access to safe drinking water and food aid.
- Provide water in transit centres through mobile water treatment plants.
- Distribute chemical products for the treatment of water in the home and drums to store and transport water.
- Build emergency latrines and install water points for hand washing.
- Provide emergency shelter and food staples.
With € 3,000, personal hygiene kits can be provided to prevent illness for 375 people.