There are increasing fears that the Zambezi valley further north could also suffer flooding after the opening of the floodgates of the Kariba Dam on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border. There are currently heavy rains affecting southern Malawi, causing concerns that increased water levels in the Shire river, which feeds the Zambezi, will cause flooding in central Mozambique. With a tropical depression hanging over the region, rains are expected to continue for some days yet. The depression is also bringing with it cyclones, the latest of which, Gloria, is currently in the Mozambique channel having lashed the island of Madagascar. It is predicted to hit Inhambane, in the north of Gaza Province, within the next 24 hours.
Malaria is a growing worry with clouds of disease-carrying mosquitoes appearing in flooded areas.
Oxfam's programme People have been gathering in large numbers at four centres in Macia, south of Chokwe in Gaza Province. There are estimated to be over 10,000 there at the moment. Oxfam is setting up water storage, chlorination and distribution at these centres, and has also distributed sheeting, water containers and blankets. A transit camp has also been set up in Chiquealane, where Oxfam is trucking in water and has built 80 latrines. There are an estimated 30,000 people in the camp, mainly from the Chokwe area - many having been rescued by helicopters and boats.