March 1999 General 1. Situation in the seven affected provinces, Gaza, Sofala, Inhambane, Maputo, Zambezia, Manica and Tete is easing due to diminishing amount of rainfall, according to UN - Maputo. Access to affected population has also become easier, particularly in Inhambane province, the most affected region in terms of the flood impact on people and infrastructure. Damage Assessment 2. A second assessment mission by the Ministry of Agriculture ascertained a total of 44,300 hectares of arable land damaged, affecting the livelihood of 177,000 people.
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 losses, crippled local transport bringing local trade to a virtually standstill. No cases of cholera have been reported so far. Relief Assistance 3. The present stock in Vilankulo amounts to 221 tons.