Maputo, Mozambique – Less than two weeks after tropical cyclone Idai made landfall in Mozambique, and as search and rescue operations are ending, the United Nations has launched a 3 months humanitarian funding appeal for US$ 281.7 million including US$4.3M for early recovery.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has included a US$ 1 million request to support debris clearance operations and rapid restoration of livelihoods, in the emergency package for Mozambique to fast track early recovery activities in the zones most affected by Idai.

The central and northern parts of the country were hit by heavy rains which flooded most of the cities, especially Beira, the port city most severely impacted by the cyclone.

According to the Mozambique Disaster Management Institute (INGC), the death toll currently stands at 468 people and is expected to rise in the coming days. Over 1,500 people are injured and 518,323 affected; nearly 128 000 persons are sheltered in 154 sites across Sofala, Manica, Tete and Zambezia.

Over 45 health facilities and about 37,000 houses were destroyed while 20,000 suffered partial damage. School activity is also halted for 90,000 students as over 3000 classrooms are destroyed.

With rains subsiding, and flood waters receding west of Beira, some airports have become operational again despite low fueling capacity, and access to almost all principal roads has been temporarily restored amidst ongoing assessments to inform of further urgent needs.

UNDP is actively involved in supporting the humanitarian response and will begin soon a comprehensive assessment of the disaster’s socio-economic impact for the region. Cyclone Idai will have grim consequences on Mozambique’s development gains as it occurred during harvest season and ruined at least 500 000 hectares of crops.  

"UNDP in Mozambique stands in solidarity with the Government and the people of Mozambique at this difficult time. The magnitude of the tragedy caused by cyclone Idai is indescribable. UNDP, together with humanitarian partners are mobilizing support to assist people in recovery and rebuilding their livelihoods”, said Abdourahmane Dia UNDP acting Resident Representative in Mozambique

UNDP has deployed a recovery expert to the country and announced plans to expand its response team to include specialists in post-disaster needs assessment, livelihoods, gender resource mobilization and communications.

Mozambique is exposed to frequent natural disasters including droughts, floods and cyclones and is ranked among the African nations most vulnerable to weather-related disasters.

For more information, please contact:
In Maputo: Luis Zaqueu, UNDP Mozambique, +258 84 308 2470
In New York: Lamine Bal, UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, + 212-906-5937