February 21, 2000. Copyright 2000. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

MORE MISERY FOR MOZAMBIQUE

LONDON, February 21, Graphic News: MOZAMBIQUE, devastated by its worst floods in 30 years, awaited more misery on Monday as Cyclone Eline approached. South African media reported that Eline was moving closer to Mozambique after sweeping across the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar over the weekend, where it left five people dead and thousands homeless.

MozambiqueÕs National Meteorology Institute warned that Eline could strike the coastal province of Inhambane and is expected to hit Gaza province as well as Sofala in central Mozambique.

Eline, moving at 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) could bring further torrential rains, thunder and winds of up to 70mph (120 km/h) to compound the misery of some 220,000 Mozambicans who have already lost their homes, washed away by flooding after nearly two weeks of rain.

Authorities in Xai Xai are struggling to prevent rising waters from flooding the city completely.

The rains have also dislodged landmines, a legacy of the 16-year civil war which ended in 1992, increasing the danger they pose.

An international relief effort is being mounted to help the victims of the former Portuguese colony who are at risk from malaria Ð which has already broken out in the capital Maputu Ð cholera, and other water-borne diseases.

Aid agencies said that up to 300,000 people living in the most badly affected district, the Limpopo Valley, had no food and little clean water, and that outbreaks of dysentery were rife.

Neighbouring South Africa has provided military helicopters to get emergency supplies airlifted to stranded communities along the Limpopo River.

ÒWeÕre rushing to get high-energy food, shelter materials and collapsible tanks for safe water to these people,Ó said Ian MacLeod, emergency coordinator for UNICEF.

ÒThe helicopters can punch through the rains but with the strong winds it will be difficult,Ó MacLeod said.

The Mozambican government is appealing for nearly $3 million in aid to help the flood victims. Officials say food aid will be needed urgently for the next three months as water drains away and crops are replanted. Donors, including the United States and European countries have already pledged more than $2 million. 

The South African Weather Bureau said the tropical storm would bring more rain and strong winds to South AfricaÕs Northern Province and Mpumalanga, the regions worst hit by flooding earlier this month.

/ENDS
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC World Service