Second powerful cyclone headed for Mozambique

Tearfund monitoring second powerful cyclone headed for Mozambique

Tearfund’s team responding to the devastating Cyclone Idai in Mozambique are having a tense wait as Cyclone Kenneth hits the nation just six weeks on.

Last month, Cyclone Idai caused hundreds of deaths in the region. Cyclone Kenneth, a slow-moving category 4 cyclone hit Mozambique on Friday (April 26) with wind speeds up to 220km/h.

Tearfund NZ’s Humanitarian Lead Andrew Robinson says, “Many people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas and we are hoping and praying that damage and loss of life will be minimal, but as we know, cyclones are unpredictable.” While the winds have weakened, Kenneth is likely to dump heavy rains due to its slow progress across Mozambique, causing more flooding to a nation already reeling from Cyclone Idai, says Mr Robinson. He says at the very least, Kenneth is likely to hamper responses already underway for Cyclone Idai, and at worst, it could turn towards areas already affected by Idai.

Tearfund’s Integral Alliance partners on the ground have been providing emergency supplies and access to clean water to those affected by last month’s cyclone.

“For now, Tearfund is on standby for Cyclone Kenneth and we will assess the situation in the coming days.”

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