Though water levels have been dropping, Mozambique is still in the middle of the rainy season. As such, it won’t take much for the situation in
the country to deteriorate again in the days and weeks to come. Some estimates predict that Cyclone Ivan is expected to lead to more rainfall in the coastal belt of the
country. As a result of the flooding, cholera is now becoming a serious problem. Mutarara District has confirmed 582 cases in the last two weeks, with nine deaths. Similar signals are coming
from other affected areas. Many people’s homes and crops have suffered enormous damage. It is expected that these people will require ongoing assistance in the coming
months.
Concern’s response
Concern is providing plastic sheeting, mosquito nets and 3,200 emergency household kits to vulnerable households in Chinde and Tambara. Concern
will also be distributing food in Tambara for a two month period.In the longer term, once the immediate crisis has been dealt with, Concern is planning to focus on disaster risk reduction in
Chinde. This work will aim to ensure that local communities are better prepared to cope with a crisis like this in the future. • Read about Concern’s search and rescue operations in Mozambique • Read about the flood affected area in Tambara District
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A helicopter sprays water during a forest fire in the coastal town of Placilla, some 115 km (71 miles) northwest of Santiago March 4, 2008. More than 2500 hectares (6177 acres) ...
