Johannesburg, 18 March 2019 — Death tolls in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe continue to rise after Idai made landfall in Mozambique on Thursday. As news of tragedy spreads in the wake of Idai, South Africans bear their own tragedies after floods and heavy rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal claimed seven lives, with citizens and paramedics saying that they have not seen a storm of such severity in the region before. In response to these developments, Greenpeace Africa Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi has said:
“Greenpeace Africa expresses its solidarity with those affected by tropical cyclone Idai In Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Extreme weather events confront people in Africa with the reality of climate change, which is driven home with each addition to the death toll.
“While tens of thousands of students worldwide and here in Africa marched demanding action against climate change, we witnessed the unprecedented events of extreme weather in places that we least expect in Africa.This is a wake up call, pushing us to act more urgently than ever.
“Greenpeace Africa wishes strength and fortitude to millions across Africa who in the face of extreme weather and failing infrastructure continue to stand strong. We stand with you in the hope that it is within our reach to reverse the threats of climate change and extreme weather patterns that we are challenged with.”
Media contact:
Chris Vlavianos, Communications Officer – Greenpeace Africa, [email protected], 079 883 7036