The Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen, has launched a special church appeal today for those affected by Cyclone Idai. The cyclone, which swept through Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe earlier this month, caused severe flooding and major loss of life. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) will be sending an initial £60,000 / €69,192 to its partners working on the ground and has asked members to respond prayerfully and generously.

With an estimated 2.6 million people affected by the widespread devastation across the region, the risk of food shortages and the need for clean water, food shelter and medical aid, Dr McMullen has written to all ministers and congregations across Ireland to launch a special appeal.

“I am sure that we have all been distressed to see the news reports this week from southern Africa of the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical cyclones on record in the Southern Hemisphere,” Dr McMullen said.

“It is unimaginable what those affected must be facing! Large areas of agricultural land have been submerged by the floodwaters, undoubtedly destroying crops. At present, our thoughts and prayers are with those who are grieving loved ones, are still waiting to be rescued and those in need of emergency assistance.Sadly, however, the consequences of this disaster are likely to be felt over the coming months and years, with many people likely to be in need of food and emergency aid for some time.

“I have always known our Church to be a caring and generous church, with a great heart for those in need and its people faithful in prayer and sacrificial in giving. I am therefore calling on Presbyterian members and congregations again to respond to this crisis in a prayerful and generous way.”

The Church has immediately released £60,000 / €69,192 to be distributed to Christian Aid and Tearfund who are already working through their partners on the ground to get food, shelter and medical help to those in need, and also to PCI’s partner church in Malawi, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (Blantyre Synod), who have been deeply impacted by this disaster and also engaged in the relief effort.

The area in and around the coastal city of Beira in southern Mozambique appears to be one of the worst affected areas, suffering a 4.4 metre storm surge, heavy rain, and winds over 100 mph. Airborne debris alone injured over 1,500 people. All 17 of the city’s hospitals and health centres were damaged. It is estimated that 90% of the city’s buildings are damaged or totally destroyed.

Dr McMullen concluded by saying, “Two years ago in a similar appeal, Presbyterians raised nearly £700,000 / €805,000 for east Africa following the worst drought the region had experienced in half a century.

“Can I encourage members of our congregations to pray earnestly for those who are experiencing such unimaginable hardship, loss and suffering at this time and to give generously.”

You can find more information on the appeal and how to donate here. To see the responses of Christian Aid and Tearfund to the disaster, go to:

• Christian Aid Cyclone Idai Appeal
• Tearfund Cyclone Idai Appeal

Photos: (1) In Mozambique a mother and child survey the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai (photo credit CARE/Josh Estey) (2) A group of people, including the elderly, being evacuated using locally-made canoes from their destroyed villages to safer places in Chikwawa district, Malawi (photo credit: Steve Chirombo/Christian Aid).