Oxfam flies aid to flood-hit Mozambique

Earlier today, international aid agency Oxfam sent 14 tonnes of water, sanitation and hygiene equipment to help the thousands of people displaced by floods in Mozambique. Heavy rains are forecasted to continue in the region this week, which threatens to worsen the situation of up to 285,000 people living in vulnerable areas.

Oxfam sent enough equipment to care for the needs of 25,000 people. This includes water pumps, water containers, pipes, water treatment chemicals, jerry cans for water collection, buckets, 1,000 bed nets and 2,000 hygiene kits. The flight left the UK and is expected to arrive in Mozambique on Friday.  

'As flood levels continue to rise, our main concern is the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities in many of the evacuation centres where up to 70,000 people are taking shelter, said Robert Fox, executive director for Oxfam Canada. 'In these conditions, the threat of diarrhoea, malaria and cholera needs to be addressed immediately. 

The floods along the Zambezi River have cut off many communities making access difficult for government and humanitarian agencies. The most affected areas are the provinces of Tete, Sofala, Manica and Zambezia. Oxfam continues to monitor the situation is ready to respond if the situation continues to worsen.  

Founded in 1963, Oxfam Canada is a non-profit, international development agency that supports community programs in food security, health, nutrition and democratic development, with an emphasis on working with women. Oxfam Canada is working to build a world without poverty and is a member Oxfam International, an alliance of 13 Oxfams around the world.