Mozambique: Cyclone Idai death toll climbs to 293

The PM briefed the press at the emergency operation centre set at the airport saying that the disaster was catastrophic and the number of people affected was estimated at about 345,000.

All the figures are preliminary and the authorities are working to have the real number, Xinhua quoted the premier, who added that the challenge is to find more shelters for displaced people accommodated in schools to allow students to return to their classes next week.

The premier said the next step for the homeless people staying in the temporary accommodation centres was to move them to transition centres from where they will later be transferred to the final shelters.

According to the premier, another concern is the food security as many crops were destroyed in different districts, particularly maize, which the population will need to use as main food.

The premier said the top priority is to unite efforts to save lives and assist people in need of basic goods, water and food.

Indian Navy helps out in cyclone-hit Mozambique

The ships of the first training squadron of the Indian Navy (Sujata, Sarathi and Shardul) are currently undertaking humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations at Port Beira in Mozambique since Mar 18. 

The ships were diverted from sea post Cyclone 'IDAI' hit the coast of Mozambique on Mar 15 causing large scale destruction and loss of lives.

Since arrival at Port Beira, the ships have rescued more than 150 survivors from Buzi area near Port Beira, which is cut off from the mainland.

In addition, two medical camps have been set up at Port Beira and Gaura-Gaurathe Island. Medical assistance has been provided to over 800 affected people from the local population.

The Chetak helicopter of Indian Navy has undertaken a number of sorties in difficult conditions for evacuation of local personnel in coordination with local authorities and the UN Mission.

The helicopter also undertook evacuation of three pregnant ladies, dropping off relief material (food and water) including 500 Kgs provided by World Food Programme.

INS Shardul transferred 10 tonnes of fresh water to a water bowser on jetty using submersible pumps. About 2 tonnes of drinking water was also provided by INS Sujata in jerry cans to the Port authorities for relief camps.

Community services are being undertaken by the ship's crew at devastated locations like schools, churches, hospitals, orphanages in coordination with the local government officials.

The ships have set up a community kitchen kept open 24x7 for all local populace including the workers at the port. A total of about 450 people have been provided hot meals.

In addition, Media Personnel from BBC, TVM Mozambique and OXFDM visited onboard our ships for witnessing the relief work being undertaken.

The media team also visited the medical camp site at the port and were briefed about the various medical aid being provided by the ships.

The HADR operations are ongoing and the ships of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy remain committed to provide all assistance to the local population till their stay in Mozambique.