Severe flooding puts thousands at risk in Mozambique

Unexpectedly heavy rains in southern Africa caused the Zambezi River to overflow. ActionAid is responding to the situation in Mozambique where approximately 5000 people still need to be rescued.

The severe flooding has affected around 60,000 people already, but thankfully the situation is beginning to stabilize as the water levels start to go down.

ActionAid is providing support and supplies to ensure the safe evacuation of vulnerable people. Emergency resources include boats, tents, water, medicine, sanitation and plastic sheets for protection against the rain."We are doing the best we can, but we need more resources," said Fernando Ketulo.

Working with local community organisations and governmental institutions ActionAid is supporting the people in need.

"We are paying special attention to women and children in this difficult situation," said Fernando Ketulo, ActionAid’s emergencies and conflict advisor in Mozambique.

Back in February 2007, thousands of people were relocated due to flooding – these people are again under threat with the current more severe floods.

On Monday 11 February the Kariba dam on the Zambesi river opened one of its spillways to release a mass of rainwater that had fallen on Zambia and Zimbabwe.

ActionAid was deeply concerned about the impact of releasing more water onto the lower grounds along the Zambezi Valley.

The government had declared they may have to open the gates of the Cabora Bassa Dam posing a threat to thousands more people.

However, the government emergency agency (INGC) now says Mozambique's Cahora Bassa dam can hold the extra water and won't have to dump it on the lower Zambezi valley.

photo : ©Reuters/STR New/courtesy of www.alertnet.org