Cyclone Idai landed in central Mozambique in southern Africa on the evening of March 14, bringing torrential rain and winds that have resulted in “one of the worst weather-related disasters ever to hit the southern hemisphere,” according to the UN’s weather agency. Initial reports of the aftermath show that approximately 2.6 million people have been affected and substantial infrastructure has been damaged across three countries, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

In Mozambique, the government reports that at least 242 people have died and more than 1,400 were injured. An additional 350,000 people are at risk from rising flood waters. The storm has also caused flash floods, high winds, and mudslides in the nearby areas of Malawi and Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, the government reports that 98 people have died and more than 200 are missing. In Malawi, UNOCHA reports that more than 840,000 people have been impacted, with 56 deaths and upwards of 94,000 people displaced.

The damage and death toll of Cyclone Idai is projected to worsen as flooding and heavy rainfall continue, with growing concerns of widespread displacement and disease.

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