UN PREPARES TO HELP TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FLOOD VICTIMS IN MOZAMBIQUE

UN PREPARES TO HELP TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FLOOD VICTIMS IN MOZAMBIQUE
New York, Jan 7 2008 11:00AM
The United Nations and non-governmental partners are gearing up to launch an emergency relief operation in central Mozambique where flooding has affected nearly 60,000 people. </p>

"The humanitarian community stands ready to support the Government in the ongoing response," UN Resident Coordinator Ndolamb Ngokwey said. "Over the past few months, we have been working closely with national authorities to put in place contingency plans to ensure that needs of those affected by the flooding are met expeditiously." </p>

Over the past few weeks, heavy rains in Mozambique and neighbouring countries have sharply swollen the Zambezi, Pungue, Buzi and Save rivers. The country's disaster management agency estimates that so far some 56,000 people have been affected, including 13,000 who have been relocated to resettlement centres. </p>

UN teams deployed to the affected regions are undertaking a rapid assessment of the flood's impact on various key areas – agriculture, water and sanitation, nutrition, education and child protection. </p>

They are working with national disaster management authorities, the Red Cross and non-governmental humanitarian partners on the ground to carry out a rapid assessment and identify the most urgent needs. The Government is planning a more detailed multi-agency vulnerability and food security assessment for the coming week. </p>

In anticipation of this year's rainy season, emergency supplies have already been pre-positioned in several strategic locations in flood-prone areas. The supplies for distribution include shelter and non-food items, to enable a quick first-line response. </p>

Localized flooding is common in Mozambique during the southern Africa rainy season from November to March. Last year, an estimated 285,000 people were affected along the Zambezi River Basin. As rising water levels from heavy rains flooded low-lying areas, over 100,000 people took refuge in temporary accommodation centres. </p>
2008-01-07 00:00:00.000

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