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MAPUTO — The Mozambique government has allocated 180 million meticais, which equalled $5.8 million, to deal with any natural disasters in this rainy season, local media reported yesterday. The country’s Council for Disaster Management Coordinating, which brings together 17 ministers and is directed by Prime Minister Alberto Vaquina, announced the decision after a Monday meeting, which made an assessment of the 2013-2014 rainy season, looked at the extent of the rains so far this season, and the level of preparedness to face the threat of floods.
Meteorological data indicated that in late December and in January and February next year, there will be above normal rainfall, which could cause flooding, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
The Mozambican rainy season runs from October to March, and the wettest months are usually January and February. So far this season, the rains have not been above normal, but that could change in the coming weeks.
Most of the vulnerable places are on the banks of major rivers and are exposed not only to any torrential rain that may fall in Mozambique but to flood surges from neighbouring countries.
In addition to the money provided by the state budget, the Minister of State Administration, Carmelita Nameshalua said that there have also been 150 boats on hand for search and rescue operations, as well as tents, food aid and other relief materials for people driven out of their homes by floods.
“The boats belong to the government,” the minister said, “but we hope at any moment to receive additional material from our traditional partners, and from the public. In previous rainy seasons, there were many boats that our people made available.” —Xinhua.
Online Reporter