Causes and Effects of the Floods

Front

What were the causes of the floods?

Back

Heavy rainfall in southern Africa for almost five weeks, with 1163 mm of rainfall in February compared to the usual 177 mm, and Cyclone Eline hitting the area on 22 February.

Front

What were the effects of the floods?

Back

About 800 people died, 250,000 people lost their homes, 140,000 hectares of farmland were lost, and 113,000 small farms lost everything. Many schools were closed, so 214,000 children had no classroom.

Front

What was the immediate response?

Back

Mozambican boats rescued over 45,000 people from rooftops and trees, and refugee camps were set up.

Front

What was the long-term response?

Back

Rescue equipment came from Europe and North America three weeks after the flood, and the Mozambican government asked for $450 million from the international community for new roads, health units, and schools.