ReliefWeb

Ref: OCHA/GVA-2000/0030
Mozambique - Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 9
24 February 2000

Cyclone Eline hit the northern and central provinces of Mozambique

Situation

1. Cyclone Eline, now downgraded to tropical depression, made landfall on 22 February, about 100 km southwest of the port town of Beira. Torrential rains and high winds associated with the cyclone exacerbated flood conditions from Xai-Xai (Gaza province) northward to Beira (Sofala province). The northern and central provinces of Mozambique, namely, Zambezia, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Manica provinces, have been seriously affected by the tropical depression. Damage to infrastructure such as the World Food Program warehouse in Beira Port, has been reported.

2. In Sofala province (Beira), 90 electricity poles were damaged causing power cuts, while power has been restored. A road between Inhambane and Gaza has been cut. The town of Xai-Xai is now totally isolated as major roads around the city have been cut. Several houses have been affected. In Gaza province, the water level of the Limpopo has continued to rise in Xai-Xai, flooding low areas in the town's center. The bridge embankment on the National Highway One was washed-out approximately 5 km south of the city. The airport is also reported to be no longer accessible. In Chokwe, no damage to infrastructure is reported.

3. In Inhambane province, the town of Inhambane likewise experienced torrential rains, and certain areas of the city have been inundated. Several houses lost as a result of strong winds and rains. In Vilankulos, damages to roads and houses are noted. Critical conditions along the Save river on the northern border of Inhambane with Sofala were already noted. While floodwaters continue to recede in the Umbeluzi and Incomati basins, river levels remain well above critical.

4. Tropical depression Eline weakened and is centered over Zimbabwe between Bulawayo and Harare (as of 23 February). There is no further danger directly from the depression for Mozambique. However, the rivers flowing from the area where the depression is centered will bring further water to the Limpopo river and probable cause further flooding. Evaluation teams will be dispatched to the affected areas as soon as the weather permits.

5. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) is continuing to work in the Gaza province, evacuating people using 3 boats (boat capacity: 8 people), as an estimated 400 - 600 people are still in high-risk areas. The Gaza Provincial authorities estimate that the floods have affected some 54,000 people. The floods have not directly affected the districts of Massingir, Mabalane and Chicualacuala, although they have been isolated due to the damages on the surrounding roads.

6. The South African National Defense Force has continued to carry out air operations from Palmeira to Chokwe, Catuane and Bilene distributing food, tents, and medical supplies. Rescue operations are being carried out in the area around Xai-Xai. The Governments of Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway made a joint donation of US$460,000 to cover the services of the South African National Defense Force for a period of five days (until 25 February).

7. Relief operations have been ongoing, while in Maputo province, damages to bridges and roads have been causing logistic problems.

8. Response to the WFP appeal for food assistance and operational expenses (US$ 4,221,650) stands at US$ 850,000, with contributions received as follows: USA, US$450,00; Switzerland, US$200,000; Ireland, US$100,000; Norway, US$57,400; Denmark, US$17,500; and Italy, US$5,600.

9. Within the On-Site Operations Co-ordination Center (Situation Report No.7 refers), MSF placed Information Officer working full time. Updated information on the flood situation can be obtained at the following webpage: http://www.mozambique.mz/cheias

10. OCHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions for the immediate relief needs. Funds channelled through OCHA will be spent in co-ordination with the relevant organisations of the UN system and OCHA will provide written confirmation of their use. Funds should be transferred to OCHA Account No. CO-590.160.1 SWIFT-code UBSWCHZ12A - at the UBS AG, PO Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, with reference: OCHA - Mozambique - Floods 2000.

11. For co-ordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, as indicated below, of relief missions, pledges or contributions and their corresponding value by item.

12. Any future updates on contributions to this disaster may be found by clicking on Financial Tracking at the top of the page for this disaster on the OCHA Internet Website (http://www.reliefweb.int). Donors are requested to verify this table and inform OCHA Geneva of corrections/additions/values. Donors are encouraged to notify OCHA Geneva of their contributions to this disaster using the OCHA Standardized Contributions Recording Format, available electronically in the above mentioned Financial Tracking Website.

13. This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone number: + 41-22-917-1234

In case of emergency only: + 41 22 917 2010

Desk Officers: Ms. Yasuko Sawada, Disaster Response Branch, direct Tel: + 41 22 917 2770/1768

Contact person for the media: Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct tel: +41-22-917-2653

Telex 41 42 42 ocha ch
Fax: + 41 22 917 0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org