Cyclone Idai Kills 300

Latest estimates put the death toll following Cyclone Idai at more than 300. The force of the cyclone hit Mozambique and Zimbabwe last weekend, where rescuers are still searching for survivors. Malawi has also been badly affected, with 82,000 forced from their homes and 920,000 affected according to the United Nations (UN)

The UN has described the event as one of the worst storms to hit the region in decades and is providing aid to the affected areas with the UN World Food Programme providing assistance to an estimated 600,000 people. Meanwhile, air force personnel form Mozambique and South Africa have been deployed on rescue missions alongside NGO efforts.

The storm has taken its toll on Mozambique’s major port, Beria, which was cut off. According to the Red Cross 90 per cent of the city, which is home to half a million, was also destroyed. 

The President of Mozambique has declared a national emergency; claiming that he fears more than 1,000 people may have perished.