Africans unite against floods
2007-12-18 16:55
Johannesburg - Southern African nations have committed themselves to work together to cope with the effects of floods and other natural disasters, the United Nations (UN) said on Tuesday.
They would also join hands with Indian Ocean countries, said Kelly David, who heads the UN's co-ordination of humanitarian affairs for southern Africa.
South Africa and Madagascar had already agreed to exchange technical and human resources and equipment in response to floods and cyclones in 2008.
"In 2007, flood and wind damage caused by heavy rain and cyclones destroyed the livelihoods of more than one million people across the region...," said David.
"(South African and Madagascar) agreed... to share information and capacities for emergency response, establish regional rapid response teams, and develop protocols."
This would allow for the free circulation of emergency personnel and relief materials, she said.
Eight-nation disaster team
David said eight of the 13 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries had agreed that an SADC disaster risk management team needed to be reactivated.
In doing this, their leaders could demonstrate their political will and financial commitment to dealing with natural disasters.
Zimbabwe declared a national disaster on Tuesday after floods in the northern part of the country claimed at least three lives and displaced 1 000 people.
Heavy downpours had washed away 43 villages and livestock and wrecked houses and schools in the Muzarabani district of the Zambezi Valley since the start of December.
Zimbabwe's Civil Protection Unit and the Red Cross were distributing relief supplies.
In Mozambique's Buzi district, 100 families had abandoned their homes because of rising water levels. In Bandua, families were being evacuated from low-lying homes.
The Kruger National Park said on Tuesday that roads in far northern areas had been closed until further notice because of flooding.
These included the low water bridge on the Letaba River between Phalaborwa gate and Mopani, the road north of Shingwedzi towards Punda Maria, and the gravel road leading to the Sirheni Camp.
- SAPA