Idai Mozambique, a paradise hit by destruction

This week is not a post about travelling. Today is a post about a place that was our home for years and is still one place where we can call home in our hearts: Mozambique. Beira and the Province of Sofala was simply destroyed and flooded in the last days after the Cyclone Idai spread nothing but destruction for more than 6 hours with winds achieving 230km/h. We already received some descriptions of friends that were able to leave the destructed area, these descriptions make us lose the ground and fear for all those who are still there. The winds blew up everything in its path and even the small animals were taken to an uncertain part or lie now spiked in trees. The roofs made of plates were like daggers that entered the houses, hurting everything they encountered on the way. Entire villages with houses and people have completely disappeared. (Idai Mozambique)

Idai Mozambique

Unfortunately, heavy rains and winds are still in the forecast at least until next Thursday (21^st March) so there is a risk the situation can get even more catastrophic. Neighboring countries are also being affected by torrential rains and opening up their own dams will bring even more flood to Sofala. The president of Mozambique already reported he believes the number of deaths in Mozambique could have exceeded already 1.000.

We have no words for what happened, our hearts are broken and our minds have been constantly in Mozambique since this tragedy. Communications are almost inexistent, so there are still no news from many friends. Families are desperate trying to get some news from their relatives. (Idai Mozambique)

Urgent aid is needed. The situation in the interior of Sofala (districts of Búzi, Chibabava and Machanga) where I also worked with “Associação Esmabama” is also of desolation. Rivers took over of all the crops (practically the only means of subsistence of the populations), roads disappeared, other roads are of difficult access, there are destroyed and left roofless houses and huts, students from the Missions sleep under the trees that are still standing, trees were ripped, there is severe food urgency among families, surrounding communities are completely flooded, people are drinking water from the rivers that are extremely dirty and where are bodies floating, the risk of cholera is extreme, just to mention to mention a few situations.

To all those who may have contacts or possibly meet someone to trigger help, please forward.
It is impossible to describe the situation that really is felt in Mozambique. It’s a catastrophe. Sofala Province needs urgent help, every minute counts! (Idai Mozambique)

For all of those wanting to help around the world, there are these 3 ways I am aware of so far:

Associação ESMABAMA:

From an NGO partner of Esmabama, Uniamo Le Mani, it is already possible to channel funds to the poor districts of Búzi, Chibabava and Machanga, drastically affected by this catastrophe and destruction caused by the Cyclone Idai.
Uniamo Le Mani is receiving and channeling these funds to Mozambique. Esmabama works directly with the needy populations. My husband and I have worked with this NGO, Esmabama, and can assure you that they are dedicated and tireless to the needs of these communities. Details for donation are bellow. Every little bit helps.

Titular/ Account Holder/ Titolare: Uniamo Le Mani – Onlus
Conta/ Bank Account/ Numero: 0105428357
IBAN: IT40W0200801060000105428357
Banco/ Bank/ Banca: Unicredit
Agência/ Branch/ Agenzia: Piazza Rebaudengo 6 – Torino – Italy
SWIFT: UNCRITM1AF0
Motivo/ Purpose/ Causale: Esmabama Emergency Relief – Mozambique