Flood Journal Entry
Floods Rage in Southern Africa (February 16, 2007)
False-color satellite view of swollen Chambeshi River in Zambia shows flooded areas in black. NASA.
Nearly 300,000 people are threatened by floods from heavy rains in Southern Africa, according to the United Nations. The biggest problem is in central Mozambique, where at least 40 people have been killed by raging floodwaters since the start of the year. Rivers are swollen in neighboring Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as well.
This week, a massive evacuation effort is underway in Mozambique. Thousands of people are moving to higher ground to escape danger from rising floodwaters. The United Nations is trying to get emergency supplies to stranded villagers by canoe, motorboat, or helicopter.
The Zambezi and other major rivers in the region have already burst their banks. Disaster officials are worried the situation could grow worse in the weeks ahead with more rain in the forecast. Normally, the peak of the rainy season in Southern Africa is in late February and early March.
The satellite picture above shows flooding along Zambia's Chambeshi River. Parts of the river have turned into a lake over 12 miles (20 km) wide.
