Mozambique and surrounding countries are experiencing severe flooding due to exceptionally heavy rainfall – equivalent to three months in just 10 days. Flooding has already killed more than 100 people and caused large-scale damage to crops, homes and infrastructure. Roads to the capital city, Maputo, are cut off, leaving many stranded.
More than 645,000 people have been affected so far, including 76,000 from the Buzi district, which was flooded twice in less than 30 days. The heavy rains are forecast to continue and the Government of Mozambique has issued a red alert.
Judas Massingue, Tearfund’s Country Director for Mozambique says: 'This flooding has already been devastating, destroying crops and people’s livelihoods, and the situation is getting worse. Tearfund and the local church are already on the ground responding.'
'Church leaders, trained by Tearfund, are using WhatsApp groups to share flood preparedness and flood alert messages. They are opening their buildings as refuge centres for displaced people, gathering food donations from other areas of the country, and directing rescue teams to those in need of assistance. Pastors are also opening their homes to those who have nowhere else to go.'
Members of the local committee for disaster risk reduction – supported by Tearfund and local partners - are engaged in rescue activities for people affected by floods in Mozambique.
Judas Massingue continues: 'There are huge needs: evacuations, shelter, safe water, basic sanitation, as people flee their homes with only a few possessions on their backs.'
To find out more about Tearfund’s work, or to donate please visit: www.tearfund.org.
