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A month after the devastating hurricane Idai, described as one of the worst weather disasters in southern Africa, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe were killed. More than 1,000 people have been killed, many more are missing, and hundreds of thousands are feared to be homeless. the international community must do more to help those affected, Amnesty International said today.
Cyclone Idai hit the ground for the first time on the night of March 14, leaving a trail of destruction in the three countries of southern Africa. Although the impact of the hurricane has not yet been fully implemented, critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, sanitation facilities and communication networks have been damaged.
Thousands of acres of crops close to the harvest have been destroyed, raising fears of severe food insecurity in the coming months.
"Cyclone Idai has left a trail of suffering, causing even more chaos as a result. While international aid agencies and foreign and concerned governments are struggling against time to save more people, much more financial and technical resources are needed to ensure that people have access to essential services they need. it needs, "said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's regional director. for southern Africa.
While the government's humanitarian response in the three affected countries continues to intensify, there remains a huge deficit in the funds needed to organize the necessary response. Of the approximately $ 390 million required, only $ 88 million was received.
"It is clear that Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe can not face the devastating consequences alone. Although the international community has sent help and help, this is not enough to cope with the devastating impact of the hurricane. It is imperative to provide more badistance to protect human rights, "Deprose Muchena said.
Thousands of cholera cases have been reported in the three countries since Cyclone Idai, making a number of deaths after people have been drinking contaminated water due to a disruption in the usual treatment of cholera. # 39; water. Thousands of people have received treatment and a vaccination program is now in place. Thousands of cases of malaria, more than usual, have also been reported.
"Thousands of people are still struggling to meet their basic needs because they are still facing food shortages, health risks and lack of safe water as a result of damaged infrastructure." . Increased international badistance is needed to ensure that people do not lack basic necessities such as food, drinking water and medical supplies, "said Deprose Muchena.
"This situation shows how the rights of people are at risk and need to be protected urgently, not only now, but also in the coming months, when the effects of the hurricane will still be felt."
The cyclone Idai was an unusually aggressive and prolonged storm. These severe weather events are expected to increase due to the effects of climate change, as people living in poverty and marginalized or discriminated people are more vulnerable to their impacts, knowing that they will likely have fewer resources and options. .
Amnesty International also calls on the authorities of the affected countries and those with the most responsibility and means to combat the effects of climate change, thereby strengthening their disaster risk management capabilities, with particular emphasis on on strengthening the resilience of the poorest people. because of pre-existing patterns of exclusion and discrimination. This will be essential to minimize the impact of disasters on human rights.
Context
To date, Hurricane Idai has affected more than five million people in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. All three countries are vulnerable to disasters such as floods and drought, which have wreaked havoc over the years.
Children are among those most affected by the disaster, with the United Nations Children's Fund stating that more than 1.5 million children's lives are at stake in the three affected countries.
The agency "expressed concern over the spread of water-borne diseases due to current conditions, including stagnant water, contaminated water sources, lack of hygiene, decomposition of bodies, overpopulation in temporary shelters ".
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