AFRICA - Millions affected by floods in southern Africa; children most at risk

Rome (Agenzia Fides)- Floods in some countries in southern Africa have caused considerable loss of life and material damage. Southern Zambia is devastated by floods, following weeks of torrential rain. Some 3,000 people saw their homes washed away as the River Magone overflowed in the area of Muzabuka, about 150km from the capital Lusaka. Siavonga, a famous tourist spot, was isolated after the only bridge with the mainland collapsed: hundreds of tourists were stranded. Zambian authorities say 1.5 million people may have to be evacuated because of the floods. Thousands have fled carrying what they managed to save from the fury of the waters.
In Zimbabwe, already gripped by an insane crisis caused by government economic policies, floods have cut most of the country's roads heightening a food shortage affecting most of the people.
In Mozambique at least six people died in torrential rain in the valley of the Zambesi River already swollen upstream by floods in Zimbabwe. Three islands on the same river risked being submerged and had to be evacuated. A close watch is being kept on Cahora Bassa dam which in normal conditions releases 6.600 cubic metres of water per second into the Zambesi. However if the critical mark of 8.000 cubic metres per second is overstepped, “anyone who insists on remaining in the lowest areas of the Zambesi valley could be affected by a disaster and lives may be lost” said a member of the local government.
Civil protection workers in Mozambico fear other rivers which originate in Zimbabwe may swell, the national Red Cross organisation has appealed to the international community to collect food supplies. With lost harvests and animals a food shortage threatens. There is growing concern for the health situation too, with rising numbers of cases of diarroeah among children. In Mozambico some 250,000 people, half of them children, risk being affected by floods.
Malawi has also been affected by flooding with most of the roads underwater. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/1/2008 righe 28 parole 377)