Mozambique rescue efforts stepped up

South African planes have been flying in aid

A South African military team has joined relief efforts in Mozambique, where the lives of thousands of people are at risk from rising flood waters.

Rescuers there had been using just three helicopters - one from Mozambique, and another two funded by the UK.

Please don't wait for statistics - go there and drop some food

Environment Minister John Kachamila

But that effort has now more than doubled with the arrival of four South African helicopters to help rescue people left stranded and ferry supplies to those who have been forced to flee their homes.

Officials want to evacuate at least 100,000 people from the Zambezi valley, fearing worsening floods as water released from the Cahora Bassa dam rushes downstream.

The main dams feeding the Zambezi river are full

But many people have been reluctant to leave their homes and move to temporary camps.

On Friday, some people reached by a World Food Programme helicopter refused to be moved, and fewer than 100 were evacuated.

A South African light plane equipped with a loudspeaker has now begun flying over the area, advising people to leave.

At least 62 people have died so far in the floods, with 81,000 estimated to have lost their homes.

Aid vital

The South Africans have established a forward base in the town of Caia, a central town built on high ground along the Zambezi.

Two large helicopters are being used to transport food and shelter, while two smaller ones will rescue people isolated by the high waters.

Aid is badly needed

As well as the South African helicopters, Portugal is sending eight boats to help the waterborne relief operation.

The two British-funded helicopters have been evacuating people from flooded areas and delivering food supplies.

A spokeswoman for the UK Government's Department for International Development said the Puma helicopters, chartered from South Africa, had rescued 200 people on Friday alone.

Relief workers say that providing aid to those caught by the rising waters is another high priority.

Several thousand are reported trapped in the Inhangoma area in north-western Tete province, where the Shire river meets the Zambezi.

A valley between the two rivers has become flooded, stranding local people on a shrinking island.

"If we don't take steps to bring food to Inhangoma, we might have a disaster. Please don't wait for statistics. Go there and drop some food," said Environment Minister John Kachamila.

Zimbabwe deaths

Heavy rains and flooding throughout the region have also caused havoc in neighbouring countries.

Thousands have been displaced in Malawi

Eight people have died in Zimbabwe in separate incidents across the country, when their vehicles were swept away by floods.

In Malawi, 20,000 have been left homeless in two districts in the south.

Half of the country is now affected by flooding.

Although no one has been evacuated so far, officials say there is an urgent need to deliver food and equipment to those affected.

Malawi has only four helicopters, and only eight lorries were immediately available for the rescue effort.

The government has appealed to all ministries to make other vehicles available.