from ARIMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
MAPUTO – UNITED Nations (UN) experts have called on the global community to show solidarity with Southern African countries after Cyclone Idai left hundreds of people dead.
Thousand were displaced as the Idai caused catastrophic damage in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Officially, 700 people have died in the countries and more than 3 million affected but the toll is believed to be higher.
Experts estimate the cyclone was the costliest tropical cyclone ever in the South-West Indian Ocean basin, including in terms of a negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights.
In line with the UN Charter, the Draft UN Declaration on Human Rights and International Solidarity, and other global and regional treaties and instruments, the experts called upon states, international organisations, civil society and private individuals as well companies to show solidarity with the affected countries, communities, families and individuals.
“Affected countries need help to support the numerous efforts undertaken by civil society organisations, including disaster relief agencies to bring comfort and relief to those affected by the devastation caused by this cyclone,” the experts stated.
They said although most river levels may have now peaked, flooding remains severe and the full scale of the disaster had yet to become clear as search and rescue operations continued.
“With little clean drinking water available, cholera cases have been reported and there is a high risk of outbreaks of other waterborne diseases,” the UN experts lamented.
– CAJ News
