Beyond cyclone Idai.

Cyclone Idai, which hit Southern Africa in March this year, was one of the worst weather-related disasters to ever affect the Southern hemisphere. More than 900 people lost their lives across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and over 1.7 million people were affected and in need of immediate aid. In the weeks that followed, there were several cases of cholera and people faced a severe need for sanitation, shelter, food and general relief.

The NGOD Fundação Gonçalo da Silveira (FGS), which belongs to the Portuguese Jesuits, was in Mozambique to carry out a survey of the damage caused by Cyclone Idai and to find out, from local partners, about the reconstruction work in progress. Although the priority of the intervention is still to ensure the feeding of the population and the recovery of their homes, the FGS and the partners in the field have already identified other essential infrastructures that will be subject to recovery. Thus, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Beira and the Jesuits of the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Province FGS identified two primary schools in need of intervention in rural areas and three more schools in urban areas.

Another aspect of this visit to Beira, namely to the rural communities, has to do with their capacity for resilience, said Sandra Fernandes, adding: "It was very significant to be able to observe the importance of joint, collaborative and community work in responding to the difficulties generated by the passage of cyclone Idai. Only two months later, the communities rebuilt, with the natural resources at their disposal, some of the previously existing infrastructures, such as houses and community spaces.

FGS, in consortium with the NGOD from the Portuguese bishops – Fundação Fé e Cooperação and VIDA Association, is continuing its fundraising campaign to help with the reconstruction of Mozambique. So far, the collection of donations from the "Somos Moçambique" Campaign has already raised 90,902,20€.

Jesuit Missions in Great Britain launched an emergency appeal which raised over £100,000 to support the long-term rehabilitation process. In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, food aid was distributed to those in need. Jesuit Missions is now working with Beyond Cyclone Idai, a project led by local Jesuits and other members of the Xavier Network across Europe. Together they will formulate a long-term plan of recovery and rehabilitation.

There have been three priority areas identified: infrastructure, such as rebuilding schools, churches and residential areas, livelihoods and skills training, and food aid.