Cyclone Freddy, one of longest-lasting tropical cyclones ever recorded, has wreaked havoc on Mozambique and surrounding countries over the past few weeks with the extent of damage and loss of life only now being fully realised.
At least 145 people have died, 477 injured, 72,626 displaced in Mozambique’s Zambezia province, and Malawi has reported 438 dead, 918 injured, 283 missing and 34518 displaced so far, with hundreds more injured and some still missing. The storm also resulted in hundreds of deaths in Madagascar and Mozambique. The toll is expected to continue to rise according to UNICEF.
USPG has been in touch with our partners in affected countries and we have heard how the continuing rain and power outages have made search and rescue efforts difficult. The storm has also caused severe flooding, swept away roads and left buildings buried in mud.
The Acting Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola, The Most Revd Carlos Simao Matsinhe told us:
“Our bishops in the four dioceses of Zambezia, Niassa, Rio Pungwe, and Nampula report that there is an urgent need for emergency food, clothing, tents, and plastic materials to offer immediate protection. There is also a great need for soap, basic sanitary and water purification supplies to help prevent the outbreak of water-related diseases like cholera, which has already claimed lives in some places. There is wreckage among the many churches, clergy residences, and church schools. We urgently need to save lives”
USPG have responded by releasing emergency funds totalling £6500.00 to the dioceses of Zambezia, Niassa and Ri Pungwe. We remain in communication with our partners in the area, to offer prayerful and practical support.
Duncan Dormor, General Secretary of USPG said:
“We have been deeply saddened to hear of the destruction and devastation that Cyclone Freddy has caused to our sisters and brothers in Christ in Mozambique and surrounding areas. We are pleased to be able to provide this money to go some way to help support the Church with their recovery and relief efforts. We pray for all who have been affected and will continue to monitor how we can best support the church and communities now and in the future.”
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Pray
Please pray for the following:
- For all the communities, families and individuals suffering loss in the wake of the Cyclone. We pray that God’s love and peace surrounds them at this time.
- For those involved in the relief effort – for protection over them as they undertake this often traumatising task.
- For the Church in the areas affected. That they will support with the rebuilding of communities and provide the comfort and counsel to all who are suffering. May they be beacons of light in the darkness.