ReliefWeb

As devastating floods sweep across Mozambique affecting nearly a million people, some of the UK's best known charities have announced today that they are joining forces to appeal to the public for help. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Mozambique Floods Appeal launches on Thursday.
The worst floods in 50 years have not only destroyed lives - they have washed away ten years of economic progress. Schools, hospitals, roads and factories are all under water and more flooding is expected.

Thousands of stranded people are still waiting to be rescued. People are desperately hungry and many are being forced to drink contaminated floodwater, increasing the likelihood of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Malaria is also on the increase.

DEC charities are already working in the region. They report an urgent need for clean water, food, medicines and shelter. A DEC spokesperson said: "This is a terrible tragedy for a country that was beginning to get back on its feet after 16 years of civil war. The death toll may never be known but survivors have lost everything. We're appealing to the British public to help ordinary people caught up in this disaster".

Notes to Editors

The Disaster Emergency Committee is made up of the UK's leading international development and relief charities. Those involved in the Mozambique Appeal are ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged; Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children Fund, Tear Fund and World Vision.

The DEC will launch its appeal at 11am on Thursday 2 March at the British Telecom Tower, W1N.

Donations to the appeal can be made on 0870 6060900.

The DEC ensures independent evaluation of how appeal money is spent.