Heavy Flooding in Mozambique Kills Ten, Many Children Still Missing

The death toll includes seven people, who died when trying to cross the Licungo River in the Zambezia province, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

"Another three people were killed after they were struck by lightning in the Niassa province in northern Mozambique," Rita Almeida, the disaster management office spokeswoman, said.

Meanwhile, police are searching for 18 children who remain missing in the Mocuba region near the Licungo River, according to district manager Teresa Mauha.
One of the main roads connecting the north and south of the country has been severely damaged by the disaster.

Right now, rescuers are using boats to access flood victims.
On Monday, Mozambique's government Monday issued a red alert for the country’s central and northern provinces in connection with the disaster.
Government officials called on people living in low-lying areas to try to find shelter on higher ground.
In a separate development earlier this week, 48 people were killed and about 23,000 others displaced due to flooding in neighboring Malawi, local officials said.
[sputniknews.com]
14/1/15
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