Since March 15, the disastrous effects of Cyclone Idai have been mounting for the people of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. At least 750 have died because of the floods and at least 600,000 people have been displaced. The U.N. has stated that Cyclone Idai “may be the worst ever disaster to strike the southern hemisphere.”
Covering an area the size of New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston combined, the extent of the flooding is unprecedented in southern Africa and is another example of a disaster made worse by the capitalist-caused climate crisis.
Each of these countries would be better able organize themselves to withstand major weather events if only they weren’t still struggling to overcome the crippling effects of centuries of colonialism. Zimbabwe struggles doubly because of US/EU-imposed economic sanctions which have cost its people over $50 billion since 2001. These sanctions remain in place despite the present humanitarian crisis. The International Monetary Fund will likely provide “financial assistance” to Mozambique but it will come as a predatory loan.
Acts of internationalist solidarity show the way forward. The government of Cuba has responded by sending a “field hospital” with full staff and equipment to Mozambique. They will join the 372 Cuban doctors already providing services for the people of Mozambique.