The Death Toll from Floods and Cyclones in Southern Africa Exceeds 700

As a week has passed since the onset of the devastating floods and cyclone 'Idai' in several Southern African countries, the death toll has risen to over 700, and the United Nations has called for global aid for tens of thousands of storm victims in these countries. On Saturday, March 23, the French news agency reported at least 732 fatalities from the cyclone and floods in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, with hundreds more reported missing. This figure was reported after officials in Mozambique announced an increase in casualties in the country. Mozambique, particularly the port city of Beira with a population of half a million, has suffered the most casualties from the recent floods and cyclone, with Environment Minister Celso Correia stating that the death toll had reached 417 by Saturday. The death toll in Zimbabwe has also been reported as 259. In Malawi, heavy rains that occurred before the cyclone led to landslides and flooding, resulting in 56 fatalities in that country. Relief organizations have stated that as the rains lessen, more bodies are expected to be found, and the death toll is likely to rise. Reports indicate that a large number of people in this part of Africa have been left homeless due to cyclone Idai, and thousands remain trapped by the floods. Survivors in all three countries are still searching for bodies and conducting debris removal, with a dire need for food and shelter. According to the Associated Press, the Mozambican government has officially requested assistance from the global community. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, noted that aid has begun but stated that 'much more' assistance is needed from countries around the world. In a statement released on Thursday, Guterres referred to the destruction of crops and agricultural land in Mozambique, stating that the number of people at risk of food shortages has increased in all three countries. Rainfall in Beira, Mozambique, which has sustained the most damage, continues, and the weather conditions and cyclone have disrupted air access to the city. The UN relief agency has warned that with continued rainfall in Beira and its surroundings, the risk of flooding from two regional rivers and the filling of dams poses a threat to residents' lives. Cyclone 'Idai' is considered one of the most severe tropical cyclones. This cyclone began three weeks ago in the southeastern Indian Ocean near the coast of Mozambique and caused the most damage in several countries in the region last week.