The 2000 Mozambique flood was a humanitarian disaster which occurred in February 2000. It was caused by a combination of heavy rains across the region follow by the 260km/h Cyclone Eline making landfall in Mozambique on the February 22 resulting in widespread flooding. Due to a slow reaction by the government and international aid agencies hundreds of people died and millions were made homeless and lost their livelihoods. Floodwaters peaked on March 1 at 8 metres (26 feet).

All though the rain affected large parts of Southern Africa the southern parts of Mozambique including the capital Maputo were hardest hit. The rains resulted in the destruction of crops and made many roads impassable including the link between Beira (Mozambique's second largest city) and the capital.

Cyclone Eline hit the northern part of the country doing further damage to areas already affected by flooding. The death toll was estimated to be over 100.

One of the iconic images of the flooding was Sofia Pedro giving birth in a tree while surrounded by flood water. She was then rescued by the South African Air Force who flew both her and her new daughter Rositha Pedro to Chiputo .

External links

• BBC News special report
• Guardian special report