Mozambique issues flood warning
2007-02-08 21:11
Maputo - Mozambican Prime Minister Luisa Diogo warned on Thursday that heavy rains lashing the country could soon fuel an emergency and wreak more havoc than heavy floods in 2001 when at least 1 000 people died.
"It's really a dramatic situation and there is a possibility of emergency," she said, adding that the swelling waters of the Zambezi River in the centre of the southern African coastal nation were of particular concern.
"If the Zambezi River continues growing, the situation can be worse than in 2001. Because, as opposed to 2001, the situation is happening when the rainy season is not yet at its peak."
Torrential rains have lashed Mozambique since the start of the year, claiming 28 lives and causing widespread damage.
Diogo however underlined that the country was better prepared to tackle floods than the last time.
"There is a huge difference. In 2001, our early warning systems were not working so well. There has been a vast improvement," she said, adding the top priority for the government would be the evacuation of those living on the banks of the river.
The prime minister however said it was too early to launch a call for international help or declare a natural disaster.
- SAPA