In the medium to longer term, Mozambique will need massive international assistance for the reconstruction of its shattered infrastructure. Based on past experience, the sub-region has developed contingency plans against drought. However, priority attention will also be needed to develop contingency plans against floods. In South Africa , the Northern Province has been the most affected by floods earlier in February and by cyclone Eline on 22nd, which resulted in further loss of life and damage to housing and infrastructure. Although floodwaters have begun to subside, many villages remain isolated by impassable roads and broken bridges which are hampering relief operations.
Most affected crops are pulses, maize and vegetables.
Serious damage to the irrigation infrastructure includes destruction of 16 dams. Crop losses are also reported in the North West Province. Overall, expectations for the 2000 maize harvest are mixed since the floods have only marginally affected the maize belt. On 21 February, before cyclone Eline, official forecasts indicated a bumper maize crop close to 9 million tonnes compared to 7.1 million tonnes last year, as a result of larger plantings and favourable rains in early February in the major growing areas. Following cyclone Eline, production could be lower, reflecting the impact of the latest floods in parts of the NorthWest and Northern Provinces.