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April 12, 2019
Cyclone

Update: World Jewish Relief’s response to Cyclone Idai

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Update: World Jewish Relief’s response to Cyclone Idai

It is now almost four weeks since the devastating floods and high winds caused by Cyclone Idai that hit Central Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. The cyclone has affected 1.85 million people, destroyed 240,000 homes, uprooted 7 million square km’s of cropland and caused outbreaks of cholera. With the UN Humanitarian Response Plan under funded, relief has been slow to arrive to the people of Southern Africa.

World Jewish Relief was quickly on the ground working in the worst affected province of Sofala to distribute lifesaving supplies through our local partner. Our initial distribution consisted of shelter kits for 6000 people, providing tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans and cooking equipment.  Although not a permanent solution, these kits allow families to have dry and secure shelter as well as the ability to cook for themselves restoring some sense of stability and security.

Following the first distribution, your support has helped fund the delivery of other essential items such as mosquito nets, jars for water storage, pots and plates to a further 6000 people.  Dignity and Hygiene kits have also been provided to 300 female headed households including sanitary products and underwear.  With such a vast amount of people who have lost everything, these items are critical to protect health, dignity, and self-sufficiency in the wake of extreme devastation.

As well as the pre-existing lack of food within the area and the recent destruction of crops and livestock, food and nutrition remain acute concerns. Around 1.8 million will be reliant on food distributions for at least the next three months as livelihoods and land recovers. In response, World Jewish Relief is distributing food packages including rice, beans, flour, oil and sugar to 6,000 people.

The scale of devastation is immense and the need is colossal.

You can play your part in supporting the work of World Jewish Relief by donating to our appeals or calling 020 8736 1250. Your generosity will go a long way in helping to rebuild the lives of the communities hit by the cyclone.