MOZAMBIQUE* (9 March)

Widespread and heavy rains were received in January and February in most parts of the country, benefiting crops at vegetative and flowering stages. However, several weeks of torrential rains in February caused extensive flooding along the country’s main rivers, the Zambezi, Pungue and Buzi, displacing people and damaging crops and property.

The food supply situation is a cause for concern, particularly in central areas affected by floods which caused considerable economic and social damage. An estimated 300 000 people affected by floods in central Mozambique, are in need of assistance. The government has appealed for 30 million dollars worth of international assistance for flood victims covering short and medium-term needs for repairing structural damages to roads and bridges and meeting the urgent needs of the affected population. Of 216 000 tons of food aid pledged by donors for the current marketing year, 101 000 tons have been delivered so far.

An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is scheduled to visit the country in April to evaluate the impact of floods on crops, estimate the 1997 harvest and evaluate the food supply situation for 1997/98.