Mozambique Floods Worsen as Rivers Overflow – 100,000 Affected

Mozambique Floods Worsen as Rivers Overflow – 100,000 Affected

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January 14, 2015 by in Africa, News

Floods in Mozambique are thought to have affected around 100,000 over the last few days as heavy rainfall continues over parts of south eastern Africa, including Malawi, where 48 people have died.

 

In Mozambique, the worst hit area is the province of Zambezia, where the Licungo river has overflowed, forcing between 15,000 people to leave their homes.

 

The Licungo often floods around this time of year. It flooded during the massive floods of 2000 in Mozambique. It also flooded parts of Namacurra district in February 2014. However, according to some reports, flooding from the river is said to be some of the worst seen since 1971.

 

The BBC are reporting that a group of 25 schoolchildren were swept away by floodwater on Monday. Events surrounding the situation are unclear. Associated Press say that 18 children are missing in the Mocuba region near the Licungo river, district manager Teresa Mauhai told Radio Mozambique on Tuesday.

 

AP also say that at least 10 people have died in the recent floods. Seven people died trying to cross the Licungo river in the Zambezia province, with four people dying when their car was swept away, according to the government disaster management office.