17 Dead As Mozambique Floods Prompt Humanitarian Crisis
http://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2013/01/17-dead-as-mozambique-floods-prompt.html
Flooding in Mozambique has killed at least 17 people and displaced tens of thousands more, according to United Nations figures, with a fresh storm surge feared Friday.
Severe flooding continues to spread across the south of the country, with the Mozambique government and international agencies rushing to ease the humanitarian disaster.
The floods are a result of week-long torrential rains in South Africa and Zimbabwe that swelled the Limpopo river forcing an orange alert on January 12, when the toll began.
But the full impact of the rains are only now being felt.
When the floods came on Wednesday, residents of Chokwe town escaped the raging flow of the Limpopo River with what little they could carry.
Alegria Hlangwe only had time to grab one of her children. Her other two sons were across town.
"People told me they took shelter in someone's house. I don't know if that is true," the anxious mother said.
The heaviest rains had stopped several days earlier, but it was already too late.
Swollen by downpours in neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe, the flood wave was on its way.
"No one really thought this could happen," said Sergio Chauke, who escaped with only his identity documents.
The floods are a result of week-long torrential rains in South Africa and Zimbabwe that swelled the Limpopo river forcing an orange alert on January 12, when the toll began.
But the full impact of the rains are only now being felt.
When the floods came on Wednesday, residents of Chokwe town escaped the raging flow of the Limpopo River with what little they could carry.
Alegria Hlangwe only had time to grab one of her children. Her other two sons were across town.
"People told me they took shelter in someone's house. I don't know if that is true," the anxious mother said.
The heaviest rains had stopped several days earlier, but it was already too late.
Swollen by downpours in neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe, the flood wave was on its way.
"No one really thought this could happen," said Sergio Chauke, who escaped with only his identity documents.
