Mozambique President Cancels Davos Trip as Floods Affect Hundreds of Thousands

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo has cancelled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week due to severe floods that have damaged infrastructure and affected hundreds of thousands of people.

Chapo wrote on Facebook late on Sunday that Mozambique “is going through a tough time” and that the absolute priority was to save lives.

Heavy rains since mid December have caused widespread flooding in Mozambique’s Gaza, Maputo and Sofala provinces, with several river basins above alert levels, according to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The report said authorities estimated that more than 400,000 people had been affected, with the number expected to rise as the rains continue.

South Africa has deployed an air force helicopter to Mozambique to support search and rescue efforts.

Heavy rains have also affected parts of South Africa, including the northeast, where Kruger National Park is located. Kruger reopened to day visitors on Monday after being closed for several days.

The report said flooding has become more frequent and severe in southeastern Africa as climate change makes storms in the adjacent Indian Ocean more powerful.

SOURCE: Reuters