Canada responds to flooding in Mozambique

OTTAWA, Canada, March 12, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Canada is providing immediate life-saving assistance for approximately 150,000 people affected by flooding in southern Mozambique, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation. Canada is providing support for food and nutrition, water and sanitation, health care, emergency shelter and protection.

"Canada is ensuring that those affected by this crisis are receiving immediate emergency support through our partners on the ground," said Minister Fantino. "Families have been uprooted and are struggling to survive. Through Canada's response, their needs are being met."

Since early January, heavy rains across the southern Africa region have caused widespread flooding. Mozambique has been the hardest hit, with the destruction of houses, schools, health centres and crops. An estimated 150,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safer areas. As well, the destruction of crops by the flood waters has further intensified an already existing situation of high food insecurity, following drought-related crop failures in late 2012.

Canada will continue to monitor the situation to ensure humanitarian needs are met and provide further assistance if required.