Impacts of Tropical Cyclones Idai and Kenneth on Public Health in Southern Africa

Kandawasvika, Gwendoline; Thabethe, Nomsa; Dzangare, Janet; Manangazira, Portia

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-74303-1_5

Cited by 1 publication

(6 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Psychological and posttraumatic stress was reported for health staff working with survivors as well as amongst those who had witnessed or suffered personal loss resulting from the cyclone. 6,9 The immediate outpouring of humanitarian support for the two districts most affected was significantly from local civil society groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), churches, private individuals and international organisations, providing food relief, clothes, water supplies and medications. 6,7,12,13 Emergency food supplies were provided to approximately 133 200 individuals.…”

Section: Cyclone Idaimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The impact of Cyclone Idai in Manicaland province (Eastern border of Zimbabwe) in March 2019 has been documented in detail because it caused extensive damage to homes, agriculture, roads, bridges, communications, electricity supplies, schools and health centres, together with disruption to livelihoods, food security and loss of life. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 At least 270 000 people were affected (129 600 children), with more than 340 dead, 51 000 displaced and many missing in Zimbabwe because of torrential rainfall, severe flooding and mudslides. 10 The 1500 km of roads that were damaged prevented access to essential services immediately and for several months following the cyclone.…”

Section: Cyclone Idaimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…10 The 1500 km of roads that were damaged prevented access to essential services immediately and for several months following the cyclone. 5 , 9 , 12 The water supply network in Chipinge district was disrupted, leaving more than 30 000 people without access to safe drinking water, who were instead supplied by privately funded water truck deliveries. 7 Manicaland health facilities initially recorded 354 cyclone-related hospital admissions, which escalated to 21 952 by May, of whom 64.3% were women.…”

Section: Cyclone Idaimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Psychological and post-traumatic stress was reported for health staff working with survivors as well as amongst those who had witnessed or suffered personal loss resulting from the cyclone. 6 , 9 …”

Section: Cyclone Idaimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…7 , 8 Casualties were initially treated in trauma units and first aid tents in open fields, then later air-lifted to hospitals for surgical management. 9 , 12 , 13 Volunteers from medical associations travelled from the capital city to the district hospitals to replenish supplies and carry out surgery. 12 , 13 Health facilities received emergency medical supplies and 11 satellite clinics were established to provide emergency health services.…”

Section: Cyclone Idaimentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Climate change, disaster management and primary health care in Zimbabwe

Ray

Goronga²,

Chigiya³

et al. 2022

Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med.

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The health crises related to climate change in African countries are predicted to get worse and more prevalent. The response to catastrophic events such as cyclones, flooding and landslides must be rapid and well-coordinated. Slower adverse events such as droughts, heat stress and food insecurity must similarly be anticipated, planned for and resourced. There are lessons to be learnt by the health system following the crisis created by Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe during March 2019, which required a massive humanitarian response to mitigate the impact of torrential rainfall on lives and livelihoods. Several researchers and organisations documented the emergency response in detail. They reported that the government response was hampered by a lack of preparedness, poor planning, inadequate resource mobilisation and weak coordination. Rural communities did not access the early warning cyclone alerts disseminated through television, print and social media, nor did they appreciate the seriousness of events until it was too late. Primary health care (PHC) teams are familiar and trusted by the communities they serve and have a critical role in raising public awareness and in documenting the evolving impact of climate change, using established health indicators and local narratives. PHC leaders and providers have the knowledge and skills to mediate between government bodies, international agencies, other stakeholders and communities on the predicted impact of climate change on health outcomes, highlighting the vulnerability of disadvantaged and impoverished groups. They are also able to work with community leaders, using indigenous knowledge on weather patterns, to build local engagement in protection plans.Contribution: This article describes the role health professionals and civil society can play in educating the public on the dangers faced in the near future as a result of climate change and actions that can be taken to become more resilient and to mitigate this impact.

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Section: Cyclone Idaimentioning

confidence: 99%