Harare – IOM Zimbabwe conducted baseline assessments in 4 Cyclone Idai affected districts from 29 March to 7 April. The assessments which were done in close coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe, UN Women and Caritas Zimbabwe covered areas such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Mutare and Buhera.

According to Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Zimbabwe 2019, “In the majority of the wards that were assessed, food and shelter were identified as the main needs. In 11 wards, water was identified as the main need.”

The baseline assessment report shows that 59,125 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were reported across the 4 affected districts. The largest number of IDPs were identified in Chipinge (36,347 IDPs), followed by Chimanimani (14,016), Buhera (4,469 IDPs) and Mutare (4,293 IDPs). “The majority of IDPs (96%) are living in host communities while a small number (4%) of the IDP population is currently residing in collective centres or camp like settings, most of which are located in Chimanimani district. Chimanimani district remains the worst affected by the Cyclone with almost all of its population being affected in some way by the cyclone.

The majority of IDPs (98% identified in these 4 districts) were displaced by Cyclone Idai.  2% were displaced by manmade disasters, prior to Cyclone Idai” DTM Zimbabwe, 2019.

IOM Zimbabwe will be in Masvingo, Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi and Gutu from 16 -18 April continuing baseline assessments across these affected districts as well as providing updated information on the 4 districts already covered. A more in-depth site assessment of those living in collective centres / camp like settings will be undertaken between 23 – 26 April to provide specific information on those most vulnerable displaced who are not being hosted by others but are being housed in public buildings. IOM’s Global Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) is a system composed of a variety of tools and processes designed and developed to flexibly and rapidly identify needs, track and monitor population movements during crises.  The DTM component will provide timely and accurate information on all essential sectors needs for further UN Agencies, and I/NGOs evidence based response.

Please find Cyclone Idai Baseline assessment report for Mutare, Buhera, Chimanimani and Chipinge here

For more information please contact Varaidzo Mudombi at IOM Zimbabwe – telephone +263242704285 email: vmudombi@iom.int