More than 176,000 people, including 90,000 children, in central Mozambique are likely to need humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Eloise, UNICEF said today. Children living in the affected areas, particularly those who have been displaced, could soon be at risk of contracting waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrheal infections. <br>
The powerful storm, which made landfall on 23 January, brought with it torrential rain and strong winds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, leaving a swath of damaged and destroyed houses, farmland and vital infrastructure in its wake. According to initial reports, 8,400 people lost their homes, while at least 26 health centers and 85 classrooms have been destroyed.
In the port city of Beira and in rural areas, severe flooding now threatens a population still recovering from Cyclone Idai, which hit the same region in 2019 – displacing tens of thousands of families and causing widespread food insecurity and increase in malnutrition among children.
UNICEF’s emergency teams deployed to Beira before Cyclone Eloise hit and are currently helping to assess the damage to ensure a swift and effective relief operation. As an immediate response, UNICEF will be able to distribute prepositioned basic household and hygiene items, water purification products, tarpaulin sheets and essential medicine for up to 20,000 people. UNICEF will also work with local communities and the Government of Mozambique to assess needs, prioritize support to the most vulnerable, and ensure the protection of children.
The potential outbreak of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and cholera is a major concern in flooded areas. UNICEF is urgently working with the Government and partners to make sure that the victims of the cyclone have access to safe drinking water to prevent the spread of disease.
Mozambique is repeatedly hit by severe cyclones, drought and flooding; this is the second severe storm to hit the country in less than one month. The country is also dealing with conflict in its northern and central regions which has displaced more than half a million people. These frequently recurring shocks leave little opportunity for families to recover, especially for those who live below the poverty line.
UNICEF
Mekong Dams Bring Hardship to Thai Villagers
Xinjiang Viscose Producer Tied to Forced Labor Cut Off by Finnish Supplier
2021 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development
Amazon COVID-19 Vaccination
LGBTQ Members Face Threats in Iraqi Kurdistan
Video News
Turkish Court Rejects China’s Request to Extradite Uyghur Religious Teacher
Britain’s Prince Philip Dies
- Mekong Dams Bring Hardship to Thai Villagers
- Xinjiang Viscose Producer Tied to Forced Labor Cut Off by Finnish Supplier
- 2021 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development
- Amazon COVID-19 Vaccination
- LGBTQ Members Face Threats in Iraqi Kurdistan
- Video News
- Turkish Court Rejects China’s Request to Extradite Uyghur Religious Teacher
- Britain’s Prince Philip Dies
- Focus on Refugees: Mozambique
- Kenyan Charity Makes Vegetable Soap for Poor
- North Korea Tells Citizens to Prepare for a Famine Worse than the 1990s
- Co-chairs of Group of Friends on Climate and Security Briefs Press
- Pet Adoption Business Booming Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
- US Capitol Security Concerns Mount After Second Deadly Attack
- Hit with Second Wave, India Becomes World’s COVID-19 Hotspot
Subscribe Our You Tube Channel

Fighting Fake News
Fighting Lies