Unicef appeals for flood aid
2008-01-08 18:41
Geneva - The UN Children's Fund (Unicef) said on Tuesday it is seeking $2.4m to help tens of thousands of people hit by floods in Mozambique.
At least six people have died and more than 20 000 displaced by rising waters in the southern African country, where the government issued a red alert last Thursday.
More flooding is expected in the near future, as water levels continue to rise in the Zambezi, Pungue, Buzi and Save rivers.
"The floods have hit some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities so our immediate priority is to improve the living conditions of the people who have been displaced - half of whom are children," said Leila Pakkala, Unicef's representative in Mozambique.
Unicef said it has sent specialists to the worst affected areas to assess the needs of the population in terms of water and sanitation, agriculture, nutrition, education and child protection.
Mozambique is often affected by extreme weather conditions.
In 2001 and 2002, torrential rains swept through the former Portuguese colony still undergoing reconstruction after a long period of civil war (1976-1992). More than 700 people lost their lives due to flooding
The exceptional downpour has also affected neighbouring Zambia, where more than 3 000 people have been left homeless, and Zimbabwe.
- SAPA