1 March 2000

The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) has provided an initial grant of $15,000 to assist victims of the floods in Mozambique through Action by Churches Together (ACT). ACT members in Mozambique started distribution of emergency assistance during the second week of February and continue to provide food relief, shelter, water and sanitation facilities.

Three weeks ago heavy rains throughout southern Africa resulted in overflowing rivers, pressure on dams and widespread flooding. Then on February 21, Cyclone Eline raged throughout the region. Flood waters from the Limpopo River in Zimbabwe and South Africa poured into Mozambique, aggravating the already flooded areas and submerging entire towns. Ulla Hauer of ACT reports, "At Xai Xai the Limpopo River has taken on the appearance of a huge lake, swallowing everything around its original course Only radio masts and a few higher buildings rise above the water masses. Entire neighborhoods and thousands of huts have disappeared Bits and pieces of roofing and other building materials float around in the muddy waters. The big bridge at Xai Xai is still intact but the road leading to the bridge is flooded on both sides, leaving people and vehicles stranded on the bridge." Water levels in the rivers continue to rise, and more flooding is expected.

It is difficult to assess the extent of the damage. Relief agencies estimate that 650,000 people have been left homeless. Fields are flooded and crops completely destroyed. With water systems and wells flooded, people are using untreated river water for drinking. As a result, cases of cholera and other water-born diseases have increased.

Mozambique ranks among the highly indebted poor countries of the world, with a high portion of its revenue used for debt repayment under conditions imposed by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Debt has been a major obstacle in Mozambique's efforts to recover from the economic and social devastation caused by a 16-year civil war, and makes it impossible for the country to respond on its own to the present emergency. ACT, in addition to immediate emergency relief, will assist with permanent resettlement for families who have lost their homes, crops, animals and other means of income. PWRDF, 89 part of the Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative, has called on the Canadian government to move towards 100% cancellation of Mozambique's multi-lateral debt.

PWRDF will accept designated donations for Mozambique flood relief and forward them to ACT partners in Mozambique - the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) and the National Ecumenical Committee (CEDES). ACT is a worldwide network of churches and related agencies meeting human need through coordinated emergency response.

For updates, please call the PWRDF Emergency Hotline Number (416) 924-9199, extension 806

For further information regarding the Mozambique floods, please contact:

Bern Jagunos, PWRDF Program Associate, Emergency and Global Programs
Phone: (416) 924-9199, ext. 321
FAX: (416) 924-3483
E-mail: bjagunos@national.anglican.ca

Cheques may be sent to PWRDF (address above), clearly marked "Mozambique Floods"

or

Contact Barb Wilkins at (416)924-9199, ext. 320 for credit card donations.

Please do not send your card number by email or fax.