Thousands still isolated following Cyclone Idai

One month after the devastating Cyclone Idai struck, the disaster is far from over. Aid organizations are still struggling to find and reach thousands of isolated people in Mozambique.

After a 24-hour journey by car, motorcycle and canoe, Oxfam reached Gentivo, Mozambique, where 2,000 people were struggling to survive, completely isolated by the floods.

Photo: Micas Mondlane / Oxfam Novib

"The tragedy in Gentivo is not unique. We know that there are many more people who have not yet been reached by aid. The further out we reach in hard-to-reach areas, the more people in need we will find. These areas have not necessarily been the hardest hit by the disaster but people are already living in chronic poverty and now face enormous difficulties. They risk being completely forgotten," said Dorothy Sang, Oxfam's humanitarian advisor.

Oxfam, together with partner organizations, has so far reached more than 50,000 people with clean water and supplies as well as information efforts to stop the spread of cholera. 4000 cholera cases have so far been reported in Mozambique.

"We are still realizing how big this disaster is. Some places look like war zones. Humanitarian resources are already running out and aid organizations need more money. 282 million dollars have been requested but only 60 million have been received"

Dorothy Sang, Oxfam's humanitarian advisor.

"The scandal and tragedy, as always, is that poor people suffer the most. The international community must stand in solidarity with all those affected and make sure to fund the organizations working on the ground right now, including local organizations that are best positioned to reach out" Sang continues.