Floods: 'SADC must collaborate'

2008-01-30 07:34

Johannesburg - SADC member states should exercise "cohesion and collaboration" in light of recent floods in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Southern African Development Community (SADC) executive secretary Tomaz Augusto Salomao said on Tuesday.

This came after Salomao's visit to flooded regions to express solidarity with the victims and affected communities.

In his discussions with SADC member states, Salomao reportedly underscored the need to factor in flood and drought management considerations in the short, medium and long-term economic and development planning.

"Based on the information obtained during the visits to the affected Member States, the SADC Executive Secretary noted with concern the evolving nature of the current emergency and the need to prepare for a very difficult situation during the remainder of current rainy season and beyond," the SADC Secretariat said.

Salomoa was expected to present a preliminary report on the findings of his visit to SADC chairperson Levy Mwanawasa, as well as the presidents of Zambia and Angola.

- SAPA