Cyclone Kenneth: Ibo residents 'living like animals' among the ruins
With aid agencies struggling to reach them, Sky's John Sparks speaks to people on Ibo Island which was devastated by the storm.
Friday 3 May 2019 09:55, UK
Ibo Island is not an easy place to reach.
Aid agencies have been struggling to get there by air after this isolated spot in Mozambique was pounded by Cyclone Kenneth and the days of torrential rain which followed have made it practically inaccessible.
We decided to hire a boat and see if we could look for ourselves.
It took us seven hours in rough seas to get there, and on our arrival we were struck by the devastation.
No home or building here was left untouched and hundreds of people are living among the ruins.
The district hospital has been abandoned as the structure is soaking wet and we could see used bandages and equipment discarded in the wings.
Up on the second floor, the hospital's director was sifting through the wreckage in his room.
"The roof is damaged, the food is wet, the medicines are wet, we can't take anything away, nothing," said Ali Omar.
People have used the debris to protect themselves from the elements - fashioning sticks and metal sheeting into tents.
We were beckoned by a widow called Ancha Yancubo who is sheltering a family of nine in her newly-built shack.
"Come and see," she said. "I live like an animal, just go and see"
I asked her if she had built it herself.
"Yes, I did this so I could keep my things, my clothes dry. We don't have anywhere else to sleep. This is for the kids."
A large of group of people had gathered at the island's airstrip and they told me they were waiting for food. In fact, they had been waiting since 5am.
A student called Teresa Mangaza said the situation was desperate.
"We're struggling here. Our food is wet, our house is destroyed, the beds are soaking, we're living like that, just struggling."
"Are people hungry?" I asked.
"Yes, truly speaking, yes," she said.
The island's historic church wasn't spared for the ruby red tiles were ripped from its roof and we watched as two members of the congregation try to clean the aisles.
However, it was clear the cyclone had not overwhelmed their faith.
"The feeling I have is sadness, it is hurt," said Raul Emilio. "I feel sorry for what happened but we have to carry on. We must continue to pray."
It seems the congregation - and their fellow residents - are determined to endure of Ibo Island.