Tropical Cyclone Idai made landfall during the night of 14 to 15 March 2019 near Beira City, Sofala Province, in central Mozambique. The full impact of the cyclone is yet to be established. However, initial reports indicate loss of life and significant damage to infrastructure in Beira and surrounding areas.
Cyclone Idai continued across land as a Tropical Storm and hit eastern Zimbabwe and Malawi with heavy rains and strong winds. The storm caused high winds and heavy precipitation in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts causing riverine and flash flooding and subsequent deaths, destruction of livelihoods and properties.
Top Line Impacts
- The Government of Mozambique has formally requested international assistance.
- The official death toll has risen to at least 750 people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
- At least 65,000 people are sheltering in more than 100 collective sites across Sofala (73 sites), Manica (18), Zambezia (10) and Tete (4); the majority are staying in schools and churches.
- Nearly 11,400 houses have been completely destroyed and crop losses are extensive.
