Stamford, Conn. – March 20, 2019 – Americares is preparing emergency shipments of medicine and relief supplies to help families affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. The deadly storm lashed the city of Beira in central Mozambique Thursday evening before barreling inland toward Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Approximately 2.6 million people were affected by the cyclone across three countries and reports indicate 90 percent of Beira was damaged or destroyed. According to officials, more than 200 deaths have been reported in Mozambique alone and hundreds of others are reported missing. Officials fear the death toll could reach as high as 1,000 people as rescue workers struggle to reach some of the hardest-hit areas.
“Infections, diarrheal disease and respiratory illness often spike after flooding of this magnitude,” said Americares Senior Vice President of Global Programs Dr. E. Anne Peterson. “We know what is needed to save lives and prevent the spread of disease. The challenge is getting those supplies to rural communities with extensive damage to roads and bridges.”
The health-focused relief and development organization is readying essential items such as antibiotics, wound care supplies, hygiene products and medicine to treat survivors and assist partner organizations responding to the crisis.
Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. The organization responds to an average of 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities.
Donations to Americares Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the cyclone. To donate, go to americares.org/worldwide
About Americares
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90 countries, including the United States, with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Americares is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies. For more information, visit americares.org.