WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
OFFICE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR MOZAMBIQUE
Maputo, Moçambique . P.O. Box 377,
Av.do Zimbabwe n=BA. 1230
Tel (258-1) 492732 - 491991 / Fax (258-1) 491990
Heads of UN Agencies and some bilateral partners in Mozambique met on Sunday, 27 February in an emergency, due to the worsening of the flood situation in Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Manica Provinces. These provinces are located in south and centre of the country.
The objective of the meeting was to agree on quick actions to be taken in order to save the affected people.
The situation became worse because the Limpopo, Save, Pungué and Zambeze Rivers are releasing high volumes of water and there are no means to control this water.
In certain places thousands of people have been living in their flooded houses for more than a week, with some people sleeping on the top of roofs and trees. There are many people isolated who are experiencing problems such as lack of food, shelter and medical assistance. Some towns and villages are completely under water, with the level of water ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters.
In the UN meeting it was agreed that the priorities are to rescue and establish the affected people and also to develop a plan of action in conjunction with all partners involved in the relief process for the re-accommodation of the affected people. The meeting was chaired by WHO Representative, Dr. Carlos Tiny as UN Resident Co-ordinator a i.
The Government of Mozambique also called the donors for an emergency meeting on Sunday to reinforce the support and to update them on the latest negative developments in the emergency situation. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Dr. Leonardo Sim=E3o.