Reconstruction after Idai may take almost three years: former Mozambican president

BEIRA, Mozambique, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Reconstruction of Sofala province which was hit by Cyclone Idai in central Mozambique may take up to three years, said former president Joaquim Chissano on Monday.

Chissano arrived in Beira, capital city of Sofala province on Monday morning to visit the areas struck by Cyclone Idai, carrying a message of resilience and comfort for the victims.

"The reconstruction of the main structures, resettlement of the population may take short period, if the support provided by the international community is in big quantity," said the former president.

Chissano went further and said that the means in the government's possession can determine the reconstruction of the country, as there are needs of reconstruction and rehabilitation of bridges and roads, hospitals and schools.

The former president also said he is happy about the support and quick response of the international community, saying that "the government was really helpless."

He warned that the danger hasn't finished yet because there are bodies to be found, and diseases will kill people, "but with all the forces combined all this can be mitigated," he said.

The number of people affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique has risen to 794,000, Mozambican government announced on Monday in Beira, adding up to 128,941 have already been rescued.

The death toll remains at 446, according to the Minister of Land, Environment and Rural Development, Celso Correia, who spoke at a press conference, stressing that the rescue teams have not yet finished searches at all affected sites.