Children left vulnerable in Cyclone Idai aftermath
- One week after cyclone, children separated from families are particularly at risk of exploitation
- Rising floodwater bring fresh concerns for those without shelter and access to clean water and food
MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 22, 2019 /CNW/ - Children will remain the top priority for World Vision in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai which battered Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe a week ago.
World Vision continues to rush aid workers into the disaster-ravaged areas to respond to the catastrophe which has left as many as 1,000 people dead, and thousands of children orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable in the three countries. As aid workers scramble to reach remote areas, the extent of the damage is emerging, with children and families going without clean water, food and shelter for days.
"Our teams in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi are hearing shocking stories of how the cyclone tore through villages, flattened homes and smashed farmland and crops," said Lindsay Gladding, Director, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, World Vision Canada. "We are increasingly concerned about the children caught up in this disaster. They don't have access to food, their homes have been badly damaged or destroyed, and those who have been separated from families are at particular risk."
As aid workers struggle to reach remote areas, World Vision is calling on Canadians to donate generously to help those affected by the disaster.
How Canadians can help:
Canadians can donate to World Vision's emergency response for the countries affected by Cyclone Idai by visiting www.worldvision.ca or contacting us on 1-800-654-2650
Quick Facts:
- Cyclone Idai made a landfall on March 14, with the city of Beira in Mozambique the worst affected
- Over 600,000 people have been displaced by the cyclone and ensuing flooding in Mozambique
- Thousands of children in the three countries are exposed to risk of disease, death, injury and exploitation
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About World Vision
World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organisation working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
For more information, visit www.worldvision.ca or follow us on Twitter @worldvisioncan
Notes to editors:
- World Vision spokespeople are available from Beria, Mozambique, and in Zimbabwe and Malawi.
SOURCE World Vision Canada
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