Floods in Mozambique force thousands of people to flee, President cancels Davos trip

Witnesses and officials reported that severe floods in Mozambique caused by heavy rainfall forced thousands to leave their homes. Some were left stranded atop roofs while surging waters swamped settlements.

Daniel Chapo, the president of Venezuela, cancelled his trip to Davos to attend a World Economic Forum and stated on social media that the "absolute priority" at this time is to save lifes.

Celeste Maria, a hospital worker, said that she and her family left their home in Chokwe (in the southern province Gaza) after authorities issued warnings of intensifying rains last week.

The 25-year old said, "Our home has been completely submerged... We have left behind neighbours that are now telling us how they?are sheltering in rooftops because the water continues rising."

In photos shared by Gaza’s Provincial Council, rising?waters submerged the trees and only the top branches were visible.

It posted a?alert on Monday that there was a crocodile at the public square of Xai-Xai - the 'provincial capital.

Scientists say that climate change has exacerbated the frequent weather disasters in southern Africa. Local media reported that the flooding may be the worst for two decades.

Gaza was the most severely affected province, located just north of Maputo's capital, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which cited data from the National Disaster?agency.

In five provinces affected, more than 400,000 people were affected and over 29,600 homes were partially or totally destroyed.

No immediate estimate of the number of deaths or injuries has been made. Authorities claim that more than 100 people died since the beginning of the rainy seasons in October.

Maputo Port's spokesperson said that operations were slower than normal but "didn't stop". Sasol, a petrochemical company, and Grindrod Logistics said that their operations are not affected.

South Africa, a neighbouring country, deployed a helicopter from its air force to assist in search and rescue efforts.

Heavy rains also affected parts of South Africa including the northeast, where it's renowned Kruger National Park lies. After being closed for a few days, Kruger opened its doors to day visitors on Monday. (Reporting and editing by Michael Perry and Olivia KumwendaMtambo, Additional reporting and editing by Wendell Roelf, Alexander Winning, and Manuel Mucari; Reporting and Editing by Andrew Heavens; Additional reporting and Editing by Nellie Pyton, Wendell Roelf, and Alexander Winning)

(source: Reuters)