Mozambique in $30m flood appeal

Mozambique has still not recovered from last year's floods

Mozambique is making a new appeal for $30m as the country faces renewed flooding that has so far killed 41 people and forced thousands from their homes.

The appeal comes as the country is still struggling to recover from last year's devastating flooding which left 700 Mozambicans dead and 500,000 homeless.

The authorities say people need food, shelter and clothes. They are also asking for air support for rescue missions and to transport supplies.

President Joaquim Chissano visited some of the worst-hit areas on Thursday.

Heavy rains have been falling since last month, swelling rivers, particularly in Mozambique's central region.

Radio warnings

Several rivers have already burst their banks in the Zambezi Valley, and radio broadcasts are warning people to move to higher ground if they can.

Foreign Minister Leonardo Simao said flooding had affected 389,000 people in the region. Of those, nearly 75,000 were homeless.

"They need food, tents, blankets clothing and other donations to help them mitigate the effects of this natural disaster," said Mr Simao.

Helicopters played a vital rescue role last year

Rains have washed away roads and bridges in the provinces of Zambezia and Sofala, hampering efforts to distribute aid by road.

So far, only Britain and South Africa have provided two extra helicopters.

The United Nations says it has collected supplies, but if the bad weather continues, these may not be sufficient.

And if the rains keep falling, it is feared that the country could see a repetition of the mass flooding that devastated Mozambique last year and set the country back decades.

In the wake of that disaster, international donors pledged more than $400m to help Mozambique recover.