Eline caused little direct damage. But as crews began to arrive in Maputo, they discovered the drama of the floods. The pictures were beamed around the world, more of us came, and by the time the rains dumped by Eline on South Africa and Zimbabwe washed into poor Mozambique, the international media machine was working in high gear. It becomes a self-fuelling story. More tragic pictures mean more aid.
More aid means more coverage.
The expected arrival of British volunteer boatmen this weekend is already drawing in a new wave of reporters for the boats and helicopters to carry. The Age Company Ltd 2000. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited. View our Privacy Policy .