MOZAMBIQUE: WFP flood relief operations

WFP has delivered nearly 500 mt of emergency food supplies to flood victims in the southern regions of Mozambique. In its latest Emergency Report WFP said: "Since the first interventions began in March WFP has delivered a total of 450mt of maize and beans through the combined relief operation (helicopter, aircraft, boat and trucks) to the flood-affected areas of Vilankulos and Inhassoro." Earlier this year, Mozambique experienced its worst flooding in 40 years, with Vilankulos and Inhassoro being amongst the most devastated areas. In March, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)said that an estimated 70,000 people had been affected by the floods, with up to 6,000 people displaced. In its report, WFP said that food-for-work projects were being conducted in the affected areas. "Approximately 1,250 men and women are working in these projects", it said. WFP added that these activities included soil erosion repair, the collection of rubbish along the coastline as well as repairs to road and small bridge repairs in and around Vilankulos. Last month, WFP announced that it would airlift 350 mt of maize and beans to the flood victims. At the time of the airlift, most people in Vilankulos and Inhassoro had been without food for more than a week because roads had been cut by heavy rains. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) also stepped in to help flood victims delivering medical and food supplies to the region. It also helped rescue people trapped by flood waters of the Govuro River in Inhambane Province some 300 km north of the capital Maputo.