Flood Kills 66 in Mozambique, 45 in Malawi

Natural disaster struck in Central Africa where flood swept away about 66 persons while 141,000 others were rendered homeless after heavy rains in central and northern Mozambique.

 The Mozambique Government has declared the occurrence of a national disaster, and subsequently, appealed for funds to manage the crisis.

“The government has decreed a red alert due to the continuing rains and the approach of the tropical cyclone Idai, expected to reach the country between Thursdays and Friday,” said cabinet spokeswoman Ana Comoana.

She spoke to reporters late Tuesday after a cabinet meeting in Maputo to discuss the emergency.

The floods in one of Africa’s poorest countries have destroyed 5,756 homes, affecting 15,467 households and 141,325 people.

In neighbouring Malawi, flood also claimed 45 lives and left over 230,000 people without shelter.

Malawi’s Meteorological Department has warned of more rains and flooding in the country’s south between Thursday and Sunday.

In Mozambique, 111 people have been injured, 18 hospitals destroyed, 938 classrooms destroyed and 9,763 students affected.

More than 168,000 hectares (415,000 acres) of crops were destroyed, the government spokeswoman added.

Authorities have ordered the compulsory evacuation of people living in flood-prone areas.

“Sixteen accommodation centres have been opened in the provinces of Zambezia and Tete to accommodate the displaced,” Comoana said.

“The government needs 1.1 billion meticais ($16 million) to assist 80,000 families affected by the rains”.