Southern Africa Floods
Following the flooding of the Zambezi valley in Mozambique, Concern was quick to respond with much-needed help. Now, as the heavy rain has stopped, these emergency activities are coming to a close.
Though the floods are receding, there is still a lot a work to be done. 100,000 people have had to leave their homes, and are now living in resettlement zones along the banks of the Zambezi. Many of these people, particularly the elderly and chronically ill, will not be able to recover from this disaster without some help.
If people are not given enough support, there is a risk that they will return to their old homes that are still at risk from flooding. The government has officially prohibited people from going back. It may, however, be impossible to enforce this policy. Concern understands that resettlement is a contentious issue, while also being aware of the risks and the need for solutions.
Currently, Concern teams in Tambara and Chinde are wrapping up emergency activities. The distribution of emergency supplies has stopped for now.
In Chinda, Concern’s partner Welthungerhilfe will provide food and agricultural help to flood-affected people. Welthungerhilfe will also continue to build schools and clinics in the resettlement zones. Another partner, IRD, will look after water and sanitation.
In Tambara, the World Food Programme will continue to support communities with food. Concern’s local partner Magariro will work with Oxfam to help communities address water and sanitation needs.
Working in long-term partnership with Institutio Nacional de Gestão de Calamidades, Concern hopes to strengthen people’s ability to cope with disasters. Some new ideas include dyke structures and canal networks. Introducing drought tolerant crops while using local materials and natural resources should also reduce risks in the future.
- Mozambique floods have left 100,000 homeless
Over 100,000 people are homeless as a result of the flooding in Mozambique. The government has reported that 258,000 people are in need of food, water and sanitation. (06 Mar 2008)
- Impressions from flood-affected Mozambique
Remko Berkhout, Concern�s Country Director in Mozambique, reports from the flood-affected areas in central Mozambique, giving impressions from the search and rescue missions that Concern have been participating in since early January. (22 Jan 2008)
- Water levels contiue to rise in Mozambique
The current devastating floods in Mozambique could be the worst in history, coming earlier and heavier than anticipated. Earlier this month, the 2007 peak levels had already been surpassed with more rainfall expected. (16 Jan 2008)
- Severe early season flooding hits Mozambique
Heavy rains which began in December have caused widespread flooding in Mozambique resulting in several deaths and driving thousands from their homes. Many crops have been damaged and animals drowned. There are fears that any worsening in the flooding could result in further deaths and food shortages. (15 Jan 2008)