Mercy Corps Responds to the Impact of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe at the weekend with reported deaths of hundreds of people across southern Africa, with thousands more affected. Global organization Mercy Corps is responding in Zimbabwe, where this is the first cyclone to hit the country in over a decade.

Mildred Makore, Mercy Corps Director of Programs in Zimbabwe says:

“The situation in eastern Zimbabwe is dire, most of the bridges have collapsed and roads are submerged. We are struggling to reach the thousands affected by landslides and flooding and locate those who are still missing.

Cyclone Idai destroyed water sources and latrines and we’re concerned that the only water communities will have access to will be contaminated. Right now the priority for Mercy Corps is to get hygiene and sanitation supplies to communities who have been affected, and ensure access to safe drinking water so that we can keep them healthy and prevent the spread of disease.”