BuaNews (Tshwane)
Tshwarelo Eseng Mogakane
8 January 2008
Maputo — The United Nations (UN) has stepped in to help flood victims in Mozambique.
According to a press statement issued by the UN, disaster management authorities have declared the highest level of alert in several areas in the country.
UN spokesperson in the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Mozambique, Luis Zaqueu, said heavy rains over the past few weeks in Mozambique and neighbouring countries had led to a "sharp rise" in water levels in the Zambezi, Pungue, Buzi and Save Rivers.
"Mozambique's disaster management agency (INGC) estimates that so far approximately 56 000 people have been affected, including 13 000 people who have been relocated to resettlement centres," said Mr Zaqueu.
He said officials in the UN Resident Coordinator's office had been working closely with the Mozambique government to put contingency plans in place to meet the needs of flood victims.
A specialised disaster management team consisting of Red Cross and non-governmental humanitarian partners are conducting a rapid assessment of the affected areas to identify the most urgent needs of the affected populations.
Mr Zaqueu said the Mozambique government was planning a more detailed multi-agency vulnerability and food security assessment.
He said the floods are affecting key areas such as agriculture, water and sanitation, nutrition, education and child protection.
Emergency supplies have been sent to several strategic locations in flood-prone areas.
Mr Zaqueu said localised flooding was common n Mozambique during the southern African rainy season from November to March.
He said last year, an estimated 285 000 people had been affected by floods along the Zambezi River Basin and about 100 000 people found refuge in temporary accommodation centres.
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