Mozambique: 1000s Trapped on Roofs & in Trees Awaiting Rescue

Flooding is now the major crisis in Mozambique, with at least 400 sq km flooded according to European Union satellite imagery. But heavy cloud cover and continuing rain makes even satellite photography difficult. Water continues to pour down the Pungue and Buzi rivers from Zimbabwe and Manica province making the flooding worse. 1000s of people are trapped on roofs and in trees. Only 167 people were rescued yesterday, but it is hoped to rescue more today by helicopter and planes. Priority for rescue are on the injured and children.

An interview in English with emergency spokesperson Caroline Haga of the Red Cross is on bit.ly/MozCyclone1. "No one expected the seriousness of the flooding", she said. Flooding has made the crisis "so much worse than we expected."

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