Mozambique’s Minister of Land and Environment, Celso Correia has stated that there is an update in the figures from the deadly cyclone Idai that ravaged the southern African country late last week.
The minister stated that the official death toll stood at 217, a figure significantly lower than a projection by president Filipe Nyusi who told state media earlier this week, that it could rise to 1,000.
Three thousand people have so far been variously rescued most of them from atop building and trees where they were seeking refuge following the heavy winds and floods that came with the cyclone.
Meanwhile, it is estimated that 15,000 people are currently stranded as varied efforts are continuing to rescue them especially in the battered city of Beira – the hardest hit. TheThe minister has promised not to rest until everyone is safe.
Rescue efforts are likely to start deploying boats especially because most of the initial rescues have been with helicopters. People in dire medical need are being airlifted to nearby hospitals.
