Cyclone Idai Aftermath: Aid agencies from around the world set up bases in Mozambique

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01:36

Now to an update on the devastation caused by a cyclone in southern Africa. Aid agencies from around the world have been coordinating relief efforts in the Beira area in northern Mozambique. Angelo Coppola is there and gave us this report.

The main focus now is to get to those stranded communities outside of the Beira city limits. It's a challenge.

AHMED BAHM HEAD RESCUER, GIFT OF THE GIVERS "It's hectic out there. The vast water. It's not just one, two three four kilometers. To reach communities it's 30 40 kilometers of water. So to reach those vulnerable communities, the challenge is we can't take boats, you can't just take a barge in and stuff, they are going to get stuck. The challenge is air support."

The weather pattern is still unsettled and there more bad news on the way for isolated communities in the Beira area.

AHMED BAHM HEAD RESCUER, GIFT OF THE GIVERS "The sluice gates up between the Zimbabwe and Mozambique border has been opened, water is going to be rising. If you look at the climate, more rain is coming. So much more challenges at the end of the day."

Teams are working to full capacity. But they are hamstrung.

AHMED BAHM HEAD RESCUER, GIFT OF THE GIVERS "I estimate five to 10 thousand people need immediate evacuation. There isn't much helicopters. And I mean helicopters you need those helicopters that can carry large capacity. We've got enough search and rescue personnel that can go out and medical doctors to provide treatment, in the interim."

ANGELO COPPOLA BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE "While the sun is shining at the moment, the wetter levels haven't dropped yet and we do understand that there's more water coming in from Zimbabwe. That's not good news for those people that are still stranded. I'm ANGELO COPPOLA, in BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE."