Torrential rains and a cyclone flooded
Mozambique, leaving visible only radio masts, the tallest of trees and
buildings of three stories or higher. As many as 100,000 people needed
rescue urgently from where they sought refuge in trees and on rooftops
of churches and houses.
The United Nations estimates that about
800,000 people were driven from their home by the floods. South African
helicopters rescued thousands, eventually joined by rescue teams from other
countries.
Making it to dry ground is not the end of the struggle for the flood victims. Food and clean water are still needed in certain areas and the rainy seasons bring new floods.
LWR and Local Partner Response- LWR is helping partner organizations in flood-damaged areas of Mozambique and South Africa provide emergency food, shelter and stocks of much-needed seeds.
Food: Food to 1,100 families in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, and another town, Matola through Lutheran World Relief's partner, Lutheran World Federation.
Blankets, Kits, and Quilts: More than $1 million worth of clothing, health kits, sewing kits, kits for newborns, school kits and quilts. The LWF & the Mennonite Central Committee are distributing the relief supplies, totaling almost 80 tons.
South Africa Aid: The South African Council of Churches and the Lutheran Church there are providing food, blankets and temporary shelter for as many as 17,000 flood and cyclone victims in three northeastern provinces of South Africa.
Appeal: A $1.9 million appeal for emergency aid in both countries has been issued by Action by Churches Together. LWR has allocated $30,000 in emergency funds, sent over $1 million worth of relief supplies and is appealing for further donations for Mozambique and South Africa.
LWR is accepting contributions toward the relief efforts in Southern Africa.
For credit card donations, call LWR below, or give on-line.
Lutheran World Relief
PO Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298-9832
1-800-LWR-LWR2