Flood management in Mozambique
adopted in 2006. The plan links the need to reduce the risk of disasters with the national priorities for poverty reduction. It has three main objectives: to reduce the loss of life and property during natural disasters; to consolidate the national culture of disaster prevention; and to introduce specific measures to prevent and mitigate disaster. The plan stresses the need to educate and to take preventive measures, which in turn imply changes in human behavior. A flood risk analysis has been carried out in Mozambique’s major river basins, to identify vulnerable areas and people. This found that 40 out of 126 districts are prone to flooding, and 5.7 million people in these districts are vulnerable. This is a valuable starting point for planning and implementing measures to reduce vulnerability. Following the analysis, some equipment has been upgraded and some new equipment installed, including two new radars and 15 new meteorological stations. A community-based disaster risk management program has been undertaken in the Buzi District of Sofala Province. The project involved raising awareness of risk and building capacity to reduce vulnerability and to respond to disasters. Communities participated in risk assessment and disaster simulation exercises. Between 2004 and 2006, the province’s hydrometeorological network was improved, from 6 to 14 stations and from a 1-month timelag between data collection and analysis to the receipt of data on a daily basis.
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In addition, Mozambique now has a tropical cyclone warning system, distinct from the flood early warning system. This informs people of the probable arrival of a tropical cyclone at least 48 hours in advance. As shown in Figure 4, color-coded messages, including flags, are used to warn the population. The strength of the wind expected is related to the possible physical impact. Vulnerable populations are advised on the measures they should take.
Figure 4. Cyclone early warning system for Mozambique.