Scouts' support continues in aftermath of Cyclone Idai

When Cyclone Idai struck on 15 March 2019, causing mass devastation across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, Scouts were amongst the first responders. Here we take a look at how they swiftly stepped into action and indeed how they are still providing vital assistance to serve their communities and raising funding to provide further support via the Scout Donation Platform here.

Considered one of the worst weather-related catastrophes in the history of Africa, Cyclone Idai has affected over 500,000 people, leaving half of them homeless. Mozambique suffered the highest death toll where Cyclone Idai was ranked equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. Heavy winds, rain and extreme flooding caused nearly 600 people to lose their lives, over 140,000 to lose their homes, and thousands to go missing amid the destruction.

As part of Scouting’s commitment to serve the community, Scouts of Mozambique were among the first responders alongside humanitarian actors rushing to provide critical aid to the thousands of people affected by the disaster. Over 700 Scouts mobilized across the destroyed cities of Beira, Dondo, Mafambisse, Buzi, Chimanemane Park, Gondola, Mopeia, Nicoadala and Mocuba, demonstrating their readiness of being active and responsible citizens in their communities.

Working in cooperation with the National Institute of Management of Calamity and other humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross, Medicine Sans Frontiers, UNICEF and WFP, Scouts of Mozambique have been active, cleaning rubble from schools and streets, searching for missing persons, supporting orphans, translating for humanitarian agencies, distributing food and water and assisting the Municipal Council in registration of affected persons.

After losing their homes, thousands of people found refuge in makeshift shelters set up by the government and humanitarian agencies across the country. Using their Scouting skills and experience, Scouts of Mozambique have also supported UNICEF’s efforts in setting up camps and shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sofala Province.

In the wake of this natural disaster, one of the most detrimental to hit Africa, Mozambique then suffered outbreaks of cholera and malaria that are still on the rise weeks after the cyclone struck. The Scouts rallied again, participating in training run by Medicins Sans Frontiers and joining a cholera vaccination campaign, which has involved distributing hygiene materials like soap to families and going door to door to raise awareness on sanitation and hygiene to prevent the water-borne illness from spreading. Their leadership has been recognized in a video by UNICEF Mozambique (see below for a translation of the transcript).

The efforts of Mozambique Scouts have been replicated in Zimbabwe and Malawi where Scouts have collaborated with aid organisations to help hundreds of people with critical aid and basic necessities. For example, in Malawi, Scouts have given assistance to established response centres. They have provided presept tablets for safe drinking water in affected areas and worked in collaboration with health workers and the Ministry of Health. They have also organised meetings with community members to educate them about hygiene and sanitation as a way to prevent cholera. Malawi Scouts also provided 250 families with basic materials such as blankets and personal hygiene supplies.

In Zimbabwe, Scouts donated, collected further donations and distributed items to help 43 affected families and others Scouts at Rimbi and Mbeure in Chipinge. The items collected included clothes, food and footwear.

And the work continues.

Mozambique Scouts have developed a crowdfunding campaign to support their activities that include school renovation, and distribution of food and non-food items to the families affected by the devastation of Cyclone Idai. Visit the Scout Donation Platform to donate any amount you wish to this project. BP Fellows who donate can count this towards their ongoing fellowship (click the relevant button).

UNICEF Mozambique video transcript:
As a result of Cyclone Idai the number of cases of malaria and cholera have increased. UNICEF is supporting Mozambique Scouts to reach those affected with information and services that can save lives “My name is Rosa Luis Messo and I’m a member of the Scouts of Mozambique. Here in Dondo, we are raising awareness amongst mothers of how not to contract cholera When they cook, they must avoid throwing dirty water away close to the tent and must always keep the water clean and well-covered in a safe place which flies or other things can’t get into. It’s important to me to raise awareness because our greatest value is life and we’re here for the health and well-being of everyone.” With your help we can do more and help more people.