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The port city of Beira in Mozambique is shocked by the damage caused by Cyclone Idai.
So far, 200 people have been confirmed dead in this country of southern Africa, but the death toll could be much higher.
Those who survived the disaster had little time to mourn the loss of their loved ones or to save what little they have left. They desperately need food, shelter and clothing, as reported by Pumza Fihlani, BBC, Beira.
In a makeshift intervention center at Beira airport, aid agencies are struggling to join those still trapped in the region.
This is the first point of call for all teams from around the world and gives a first glimpse of the importance of this operation by calling on outside help.
A few kilometers away, panic sets in. The people of Beira are more and more anxious. Help is coming, but it is really slow and inadequate.
"I have nothing, I have lost everything.We have no food.I do not even have blanket.We need help", m & # 39, entrusted a woman as we were crossing the village of Manhava.
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Reuters
Most of the port city of Beira is under water
The geography of Beira, with parts of it lying below sea level, has always made it vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather conditions such as cyclone Ida, which has touched down with winds going up up to 177 km / h (106 mph).
The city was hit hard by the destructive storm, which flooded the entire city, knocked out buildings and cut off roads. This now prevents rescuers from reaching hopeless people in need.
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Some people here are trying to recover what they can to create a shelter. Those who can repair their metal roofs, while others badociate pine branches to sleep.
Houses have been damaged or completely destroyed, and there are puddles everywhere.
A local church has become a temporary home for dozens of people. Half of its roof has been ripped off, but the walls have held and it's better for some than staying out in the cold.
Copyright of the image
AFP
Flood waters cut roads and destroy buildings
The UN said Cyclone Idai had triggered a "mbadive disaster" in southern Africa, affecting hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people.
Neighboring countries, Zimbabwe and Malawi, have also been affected by the terrible storm that has killed dozens of people and displaced thousands.
Everyone we meet here is begging us to go home to show us what they have lost and how nature has been stolen from them.
We are the first people they have seen since the cyclone that hit a few days ago.
"Please help us, tell the world that we are suffering, we do not know where we are going to sleep," said Pedro, father of three children, all under 10 years old.
Residents here feel forgotten.
"100,000 people in danger"
As the full picture of this crisis slowly becomes clear, one wonders if the Mozambique government could have done more to prepare for the disaster.
The 2000 floods claimed the lives of hundreds of people, but some feel we have not learned lessons.
"Our city has been destroyed so easily because our infrastructure is not maintained.When there is a problem, we need foreign countries to save us.What is our government doing, what is our own plan? " our driver asks me.
Back at the airport, a helicopter just landed and rescuers rushed, carrying in their arms children whose eyes were wide with fear.
"Many villages have been washed away, we have found women and children who are hanging on trees, we are doing what we can," said one of the rescuers.
More rain is expected and those who have managed to get safe are the lucky ones. Mozambique's president, Felipe Nyusi, said more than 100,000 people were at risk – and that more and more worries fear that help will arrive in time.
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