THE SITUATION
In early March 2019, severe weather caused flooding in parts of Malawi and Mozambique. This system escalated into tropical cyclone Idai, which hit close to the city of Beira, Mozambique as a Category 3 cyclone on March 14. The storm continued over central Mozambique and into Zimbabwe.
A second storm, Cyclone Kenneth, followed just six weeks later. Over three million people were affected in Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. More than 1,000 people died in the strong winds and floods, and tens of thousands lost their homes.
The storms, coupled with chronic droughts and pest outbreaks across the region, have exacerbated the hunger crisis.
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, 80% of Mozambique's population cannot afford the minimum costs of an adequate diet. Cyclone Idai destroyed more than 700,000 hectares of crops including maize, ground nut, cassava, beans and rice.
People need your help.
CARE'S RESPONSE
CARE places a special emphasis on women and girls as they are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis, but also possess great potential to help their community overcome tragedy.
In Mozambique, CARE is planning to scale-up our response by distributing seeds for short and long cycle crops to help farmers replant their fields. CARE will work with farmers to improve their agriculture skills and ensure they grow crops that are more resilient to climate change. We will also promote the diversification of economic activities to ensure that farmers have an alternative source of income and become more resilient to shocks caused by climate change.
“So far, we have distributed rice, peas and oil; but the food aid has not been enough to meet the needs of the affected population. There are many families that have not yet received help for the following agricultural campaign, and that will increase the number of people without enough to eat in the next months.” says Enma Reyes, CARE Mozambique’s Livelihood Coordinator
In Malawi, CARE distributed thousands of water containers and packages of plastic roofing sheets for evacuees of the crisis in Malawi. CARE experts also established 21 protection committees in camps to ensure women and girls are protected from abuse.
In Zimbabwe, CARE focused on clean water, sanitation, shelter, food and livelihoods. CARE also distributed hygiene kits and other emergency supplies.