Diarrhea, malaria, colds and fungus of the skin have all been reported in the camp. Nearly 80 percent of the families are headed by women. The families had hoped to return to their homes after the flood waters receded, but the Mozambique government has other plans for them. The government is asking people not to go back to their land along the Pungue and instead wants them to resettle on higher ground away from the flood plains. While the land along the river is subject to annual flooding, recent floods have been particularly bad.
Resettlement is the best option, the government says.
Many people agree that it is not a good idea to go back to their flooded homes, MCC workers said. The government has promised the families land to build new homes and access to their old fields, where they could have small huts. Resettlement began this week with some families starting to clear land. Reported by Cheryl Delaplane, MCC worker in Matua.