Beira, Mozambique’s second-largest city, is the economic hub of the central regions. It is one of the main ports linking landlocked Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to the rest of the world. But now, everything is broken.
A woman stands barefoot with her head in her hands, crying, in front of a battalion of a special unit of the Mozambique Republic Police. She walks towards where they are blocking the passage of people. She claws at them.The warehouse belongs to an Indian rice-processing company. Before the police arrived, hundreds of people were trying to steal bags of rice. Marta Mareda was among them, along with her 12-year-old daughter.
The situation in Beira is dramatic. The city is Mozambique’s second-largest, and is the economic hub of the central regions. Its importance to the regional economy cannot be overstated: it is one of the main ports linking landlocked Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to the rest of the world. But now everything is broken.
The only place in the city that has electricity and internet is the operations centre at Beira’s airport, where the Red Cross has set up a server with free internet for journalists. This is also the mobile phone recharging centre. Rescue helicopters arrive here, co-ordinated by Adrian Nance from a charity called Wings Like Eagles, which is working with Mercy Air.
Water to the horizon: An aerial view shows how the plains near Beira were flooded after the passage of Cyclone Idai.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cyclone Idai damages large parts of Beira and surrounds – Red CrossCommunication lines have been completely cut and roads have been destroyed.
Read more »
IN PICTURES: Beira left in tatters after IdaiIN PICTURES: Beira left in tatters after Idai eNCA Courtesy DStv403
Read more »
Mozambique city of Beira '90% damaged or destroyed' by cycloneCyclone Idai leaves a trail of destruction in neighbouring Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Read more »
Cyclone Idai leaves Beira ‘90% destroyed’A large dam burst on Sunday and cut off the last road to the city of about 530,000 people, the Red Cross said in a statement
Read more »
Beira looks like a 'war zone' after cyclone Idai: rescue teamBeira in Mozambique looks like a “war zone” in the aftermath of cyclone Idai, which claimed at least 100 lives.
Read more »
Mozambique city of Beira '90% damaged or destroyed' by cycloneCyclone Idai leaves a trail of destruction in neighbouring Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Read more »
Fears port of Beira damage may disrupt fuel, food supplies to ZimbabweEnergy and Power Development Minister Joram Gumbo says a control room for the pipeline in Beira was also damaged during the cyclone.
Read more »
At least 157 dead in Zimbabwe, Mozambique in Cyclone IdaiThe Mozambican port city of Beira has suffered massive damage, the Red Cross said. The storm has also pounded Malawi.
Read more »
Mozambique president says cyclone death toll could exceed 1,000The Mozambican port city of Beira has suffered massive damage, the Red Cross said. The storm has also pounded Malawi.
Read more »
Rescue teams race to save hundreds trapped by Mozambique cycloneCyclone Idai lashed Beira with winds of up to 170 kph (105 mph) last Thursday, then moved inland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, flattening buildings and putting the lives of millions at risk.
Read more »