Drone footage shows devastation from cyclone in Mozambique

Drone footage released by the American Red Cross on Tuesday shows the devastation caused in Mozambique by a cyclone which hit eastern Africa this weekend.

“New @IFRC drone footage shows the extent of damage to communities in Mozambique after #CycloneIdai,” the Red Cross tweeted.

“Authorities warn the death toll may reach over 1,000 people and more rain is expected to hit the region this week.” 

New @IFRC drone footage shows the extent of damage to communities in Mozambique after #CycloneIdai. Authorities warn the death toll may reach over 1,000 people and more rain is expected to hit the region this week. https://t.co/zZCCIfkoyE pic.twitter.com/lBZTVRUxog

— American Red Cross (@RedCross) March 19, 2019

Cyclone Idai made landfall in Mozambique on March 14 and has so far also hit Zimbabwe and Malawi.

{mosads}Authorities have confirmed roughly 150 deaths in the three countries as result of the storm, but expect that number to grow dramatically.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi said Monday that he estimates at least a thousand have died.

Beira, the fourth-largest city in Mozambique, was hit particularly hard by the cyclone.

“The situation is terrible. The scale of devastation is enormous. It seems that 90 percent of the area is completely destroyed,” Jamie LeSueur of the Red Cross said in a statement.

Drone footage shared by the Red Cross Monday shows the extent of the damage in the city.

The scale of #CycloneIdai in Beira, Mozambique, is truly heartbreaking. Initial assessments from @ifrc estimate at least 90% of the area is completely destroyed. Read what IFRC aid workers are witnessing in the area: https://t.co/reDWmHKw2W  @IFRCAfrica pic.twitter.com/25l3kM2vl3

— American Red Cross (@RedCross) March 18, 2019