The possibility of another onslaught of rain is another worry for the Mozambican population and the humanitarian agencies now on the ground there. The storm Gloria has dissipated but remains a heavy rain front that is expected to reach the country between Tuesday and Thursday this week.

In addition, two cyclones are currently forming over the Indian Ocean, but are still far away from Mozambique. With the decline in flood waters, attention has moved away from rescue and towards providing food and clean water to the displaced population as well as preparing for possible outbreaks of cholera and malaria.

There have been some claims that a serious outbreak has started in Maputo, but MSF cannot confirm the reports. So far 31 suspect cases have been referred over the last week and between six or seven cases per day have been referred over the week-end.

A total of eight cases have been confirmed vibrio cholera positive in Maputo. Malaria is endemic to the region and there have been more cases of reported malaria. However these cases have not been laboratory confirmed. Coordination of NGO activity is ongoing. The transition in emergency focus to feeding and care, along with an increase in helicopters and other craft, has meant a developing awareness that all possibilities be utilised to the best possible effect.

Maputo and Motala

The floods have receded and there are approximately 20,000 people (unconfirmed) still living in temporary shelters there.

Western and Central Mozambique

The provinces most in need where MSF is active are Gaza (west of Maputo), Sofala (central Mozambique) and Inhambane (central-East).

Sofala and Inhambane

MSF is conducting an exploratory mission in South Sofala and North Inhambane, along the Save River. Two weeks ago, in Gaza alone, about 180,000 to 200,000 people were directly affected by the floods.

Gaza province City of Chokwe

10,000 people in the city need food. MSF has already distributed two tons of protein biscuits. Eight tons of plum peanut have arrived and are being distributed. Another seven tons of BP-5 (a high-protein biscuit) will arrive tomorrow February 7. A food-for-work program is being implemented where people are paid the amount of bus transportation and are then transported from the camps to the City of Chokwe where they help when and where needed.

Medical

There is medical aid provided at two centers supporting the remaining Chokwe population. In one mission, nuns are operating with support from MSF. The second is a health center that pre-existed. There are three MSF expat personnel operating there (one doctor, one nurse, and one logistician) and they carried out 1,000 medical consultations per day over the week-end.

City of Chaquelane

The total number of displaced now sheltering in the city and region is 34,000 people. There is a water problem in Chaquelane. MSF has deployed one solar pump and one under-water pump and is carrying water trucking. MSF has one health post and is conducting outpatient consultation and triage.

City of Chibuto

MSF has carried out an exploratory mission there. Approximately 2,600 displaced are with almost no water. No cholera confirmed but there have been cases of severe diarrhea and some TB. In one of the sites there are only two latrines for 2,000. Newly evacuated people are referred to Chibuto and there are not enough facilities to host them.

City of Macia

Macia is the location of the MSF base for the flood region. MSF has one health post there, with an outpatient department and triage. Figures dated March 3 indicate that 3,000 people now live in the city and another 3,000 in a camp. Water and sanitation elements are being freighted.