2000 Mozambique flood

In October and November 1999, heavy rainfall affected Mozambique, followed by a period of heavy rainfall in January 2000.^[3] By the end of January 2000, the rains caused the Incomati, the Umbeluzi, and the Limpopo rivers to exceed their banks, inundating portions of the capital Maputo.^[4] At Chókwè, the Limpopo River reached a level of 6 m (20 ft) on January 24, twice its normal level.^[5] Some areas received a year's worth of rainfall in two weeks.^[6] The resultant floods were considered the worst to affect the nations since 1951.^[1]

Flooding was beginning to recede in late February by the time Cyclone Eline made landfall.^[7] Eline was a long-lasting tropical cyclone that struck near Beira at peak intensity on February 22.^[1] By the end of February 2000, the situation was considered the country's worst natural disaster in a century.^[8]

By late February, the flooding had already caused increases in malaria and diarrhea. Flooding also disrupted water supply and covered roads,^[5] with the primary north-south highway cut in three locations.^[9] Widespread areas were inundated, which displaced about 220,000 people,^[6] and killed about 150 people before Eline struck.^[10]

The combined effects of the preceding floods and Eline left about 463,000 people displaced or homeless,^[11] including 46,000 children five years old or younger.^[12] Overall, the preceding floods and Eline caused about 700 deaths,^[1] half in Chokwe.^[13] with damage estimated at $500 million (2000 USD).^[1] The cyclone and the floods disrupted much of the economic progress Mozambique had made in the 1990s since the end of its civil war.^[14]

Before the arrival of Eline, the government of Mozambique appealed to the international community for assistance in response to the flooding, and countries were beginning to provide relief.^[1] Mozambique's president at the time, Joaquim Chissano, requested for additional aid after Eline struck,^[15] asking for $65 million for both reconstruction and emergency aid,^[16] and later increasing the request to $160 million.^[17] By March 17, various countries had pledged $119 million to Mozambique.^[11] By March 4, 39.6 tons of various relief goods reached the country,^[18] which nearly overwhelmed the small airport at Maputo.^[19]

The government of the Netherlands donated 5 million guilders (US$2.2 million) to the country, following an earlier donation of about 2 million guilders (US$871,000).^[16] The Italian government earmarked 10 billion lira, half of which for immediate emergency assistance,^[20] and Denmark earmarked €2.68 million euros.^[21] Sweden sent 10 million krona and Ireland €507,000 to the World Food Programme.^[22][23] Portugal delivered 40 tons worth of aid, including food, medicine, tents, and dinghies,^[24] and the Spanish Red Cross sent two flights of aid.^[25] Canada provided about $11.6 million (CAD) to Mozambique,^[26] while the United States provided $7 million worth of food via its Agency for International Development,^[27] part of its $50 million contribution.^[28] The European Community Humanitarian Aid Office provided €25 million in early March.^[29] Botswana donated P23 million pula (BWP, US$5 million),^[30] and Mauritius provided about $100,000 (USD).^[31] The nation of Ghana flew $100,000 worth of food and clothing to Mozambique.^[32] Australia also provided $1 million to the country,^[33] and Saudi Arabia flew two planes' worth of aid.^[34] Concern Worldwide allocated $650,000 (USD) at the end of February.^[35] Médecins Sans Frontières sent a crew of five people to Buzi to help residents.^[36] The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation sent $350,000 to CARE in early March.^[37] Through the Jubilee 2000, most wealthy nations postponed debt payments for one year.^[38] The United Kingdom canceled its $150 million debt in late February,^[39] and Italy canceled its $500 million debt in March.^[40]

The Mozambique government used boats to evacuate residents in flood zones,^[41] setting up 121 camps for evacuees.^[11] However, the country had a limited capacity for widespread rescues due to insufficient helicopters.^[42] South Africa sent a fleet of twelve planes and helicopters to operate search and rescue missions, as well as airdropping food.^[43] They were assisted by two helicopters from Malawi, six from the United Kingdom, and ten from Germany.^[44][45][46] By March 7, the fleet of 29 helicopters had rescued 14,204 people.^[47][48] Residual floodwaters contributed to outbreaks of malaria and cholera,^[49] with malaria infections at four times the usual rate killing at least 11 people.^[50][51] Areas in southern Mozambique also lost access to clean water, furthering dehydration and illnesses.^[52] In addition, the United Nations Mine Action Service expressed concern that the floods shifted the locations of landmines left over from the nation's civil war.^[53] Later, the remnants of Cyclone Gloria halted relief work due to heavy rainfall.^[54] Residents began returning home in early March after floodwaters receded.^[55]

• BBC News special report
• Guardian interactive guide
• United Nations briefing (broken)
• Guardian special report