Seven provinces have been affected - Gaza, Sofala, Inhambane, Maputo, Zambezia, Manica and Tete. These floods were preceded by a devastating drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon. Consequently, the result of heavy rains on dried out earth has been catastrophic, especially in the southernmost part of the country. An assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture ascertained a total of 44,300 hectares of arable land damaged, affecting the livelihood of 177,000 persons.
Satellite images used by national and foreign experts support the findings.
All affected areas are in lowlands and at river margins, where farmers depend on maize crops. The social and economic results for the affected communities are far reaching and include food loss and crippled public transport bringing local trade to a standstill. There is need for immediate relief emergency as well as for seeds for the next planting season, along with monitoring the emergence of cholera and skins diseases. Both the ACT members are currently assessing the needs and an ACT appeal may be forthcoming. Thank you for your kind attention.