Mozambique president cancels Davos trip due to severe floods

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo cancelled his trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum this week because of severe flooding that has?damaged the infrastructure and affected hundreds of thousands in the Southern African nation.

Chapo said in a Facebook post late Sunday night that Mozambique is "going through a difficult?time" and the priority right now is to save lives.

In a report published on Sunday, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affair said that heavy rains have been causing widespread flooding in Mozambique’s provinces?Gaza and Maputo, as well as Sofala, with many river basins exceeding alert levels.

OCHA reported that authorities estimate more than 400,000 affected people, and the number is expected to increase as rains continue.

South Africa, a neighboring country, has sent?an air force chopper to Mozambique in order to assist with search and rescue efforts.

South Africa has also been affected by heavy rains, particularly in the northeast region where the renowned Kruger National Park lies. After being closed for a few days, Kruger opened its gates to day visitors on Monday.

As a result of climate change, storms from the Indian Ocean are becoming more powerful. This has led to more flooding in southeast Africa. Reporting by Custodio Cosse; Additional reporting in Cape Town by Wendell Roelf; Writing by Alexander Winning and Editing by Michael Perry

(source: Reuters)