Mozambique Floods January 2012

Mozambique flood survivors risk cholera outbreak and food shortages

World Vision has started distributing water purifiers in some of the areas hit by heavy rains and storms this past week, amid fears of a cholera outbreak.

No cases of the disease have so far been reported, but there are accounts of diarrhoea in some communities. Mozambique has previously experienced outbreaks of cholera - a highly contagious water borne disease that can kill in hours if not treated.

"Prevention is the best remedy", says Claudio Jamal, head of World Vision's emergency unit in Mozambique. Preventative activities are ongoing, including community awareness and education.

Mozambique is still midway through its rainy and cyclone seasons, so the numbers of affected people could rise in the weeks to come. Scores have already been killed in the provinces of Zambezia and in Gaza, where thousands of houses, hundreds of classrooms and entire crop fields have been partially or totally destroyed. An estimated 125,000 people are said to have been affected. In Zambezia Province, in particular, the large geographic area and challenges of accessibility are slowing relief work.

Gisla Dewey, World Vision's national director in Mozambique warns, "We need to act swiftly to mitigate the suffering of thousands of affected children and the potential for disease outbreaks."

World Vision fears the devastation of crops will lead to further food shortages in the country. An assessment conducted last November estimated that about 245,000 people were already short of food due to poor weather conditions.

Though weakened, tropical cyclone 'Funso' continues advancing southwards and will affect weather conditions along the coast and the country's capital, Maputo. Rains and strong winds are expected. Another cause for concern is the fluctuating river levels, some of which are threatening to burst their banks.

Beyond cholera prevention, World Vision is assisting the coordinated relief efforts with expert staff and logistical support. Dewey explained thatmaximising existing staff and equipment already in place in the affectedcommunities is key to an efficient, coordinated response.

02 February 2012