Tropical Cyclone Idai made landfall on the evening of 14 March through Beira City, Sofala province, Mozambique. Even before the storm, this area was already being affected by heavy rains and flooding, with an estimated 17,000 people displaced and 66 deaths prior to the storm.
Rick Emenaker of the MAF Disaster Response Team reports that the storm did damage, but flooding is the bigger concern. At least another meter (three feet) of rain is anticipated to fall in the next couple days (18-19 March), adding to the already devastating flooding.
On Saturday, 16 March, MAF did a survey flight and was able to help Mercy Air and INGC deliver two loads (1,400 kg) of rice and flour from Caia to Marromeu. INGC is the Mozambique government disaster response management agency, Instituto Nacional deGestao de Calamidades in Portuguese.
Sunday MAF picked up three INGC officials in Caia and flew them to Beira. A survey flight for INGCis planned for Monday. As the situation evolves, MAF will be working with INGC and other groups to determine how we can best assist.
Here is a situation report from the UN OCHA.
Please pray that the people in the affected areas will be protected from flooding and other danger, and that they will turn to Jesus through this crisis. Pray also for the injured and those who have lost loved ones. Please ask the Lord to protect our MAF team in Mozambique.
