The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called for additional funds from the international community in order to meet rising humanitarian needs in Malawi and Mozambique amid cholera outbreak.

Development Diaries reports that $10 million is needed in Mozambique and $4.7 million in Malawi to tackle the growing needs, according to IOM.

Communities in Mozambique and Malawi devastated by tropical Cyclone Freddy have continued to struggle in the face of an ongoing cholera outbreak due to the persistently high water levels and the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

IOM, in a statement, noted that the additional funds are needed to meet the immediate requirements and promote long-lasting solutions in the two countries.

IOM Regional Director Ashraf El Nour said, ‘We are committed to continuing our support to the governments of Malawi and Mozambique, but we need more resources and support from the international community to ensure that we can provide the necessary assistance for longer-term recovery’.

Data from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs shows that Cyclone Freddy has affected more than 2.5 million people, displaced over 659,000 and claimed the lives of 676 people in Malawi.

It caused widespread destruction over five weeks in February and March, and was the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded and the third deadliest recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is also understood that over 58,000 cases of cholera have been recorded as of April 2023.

In Mozambique, Freddy has caused significant damage and affected 1.1 million people across eight provinces.

Over 57,000 individuals currently remain displaced across 33 accommodation centres.

IOM is calling on governments to implement sustainable climate adaptation, preparedness and disaster risk reduction measures to avert, mitigate and address displacement and health risks linked to climate disasters and strengthen people’s resilience.

Source: IOM

Photo source: IOM