CAFOD appeal Cyclone Idai
Monday 25th March 2019CAFOD has joined forces with Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to reach hundreds of thousands of people affected by Cyclone Idai, across Southern Africa.
Just over a week ago, Cyclone Idai swept across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi leaving in its wake a trail of destruction, killing an estimated 750 people. Mozambique is described as the worst affected country. Beira city, in the Sofala Province, was battered by the cyclone, bringing torrential rains and winds of up to 140 km/h.
Almost 90 percent of the city is now submerged in flood water, and a tidal surge has cut off several villages in the district.
Across the three countries, tens of thousands are now homeless, and all three countries have appealed for international humanitarian support.
We have received this appeal from Christine Allen, at CAFOD:
“It is with great sadness that in my first correspondence with you as the new director of CAFOD, I find it necessary to write to you about the emergency in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi caused by Cyclone Idai. The more we see and hear of the destruction caused, the more shocking the impact on the lives of children, women and men.
We know that the Catholic community will want to respond. The Church and our local experts in the Southern Africa region are already responding but desperately need support. We are inviting parishes to hold a second collection; their gifts will help families who have lost everything. Knowing they are not alone, will give people hope. Vital humanitarian aid is needed for the millions of people made homeless and our priority is to reach the most vulnerable with food and clean water, basic shelter and hygiene kits.
The scale of the crisis is such that the Disaster Emergency Committee, of which CAFOD is a member, has launched a full-scale humanitarian appeal. You can read more about our Cyclone Idai Appeal. We are so thankful for your support of our recent Family Fast Day, which we rely on for our planned projects over the next year around the world.
Please to keep the people of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi in your prayers.”
For more information on how to donate see the Cafod website.
Tagged | Charity
