Moz to evacuate flood basin
2010-03-10 22:28
Maputo - Around 130 000 people are to be evacuated from flood-prone areas in Mozambique because of rising waters in three main rivers, state media said on Wednesday.
Government declared a red alert for regions along the mighty Zambezi River, Africa's fourth-longest which originates in Angola, as well as the smaller Pungwe and Buzi rivers, Noticias newspaper said.
The red alert imposes an evacuation order for the area.
"Around 130 000 people were identified in areas of risk in three basins in the central region, namely the Zambezi, Pungwe and Buzi rivers," Noticias said.
"Our main concern right now is to save human lives. In any case, the situation is under control," said Joao Ribeiro, director general of the National Disaster Management Institute.
Emergency centres have been created where tents, mosquito nets, medicine and food would be available.
Seasonal rains across southern Africa send water levels rising every year around this time, especially on the Zambezi which brings to Mozambique run-off from a long swathe of the continent as it runs toward the Indian Ocean.
Mozambique is a frequent victim of flooding during its rainy season. Deadly floods in 2000 and 2007 forced tens of thousands from their homes.
So far two flood deaths have been reported this year.
- SAPA