Flooding causes thousands to move away from downtown Xai Xai

Thousands of people are moving out of Xai Xai city, in southern Mozambique following the government appeal for people abandon downtown areas due threats of more flooding.

Those leaving the town are carrying whatever possessions they can on their heads, animal backs, carts and cars.

Just a few kilometers from Xai Xai, the Moises Mimbire, 64, did not have such luck. Surprised by the floods, he did not have enough time to evacuate before his house was surrounded by water in the low-lying land of Limpopo valley.

He is fighting against the water with his young grandchildren - Justino, Juvêncio and Julieta, and a friend João. Together they guide some cattle and hold on to a bicycle. These are only belongings they were able to remove from the house.

“This morning, all seemed to be a normal day,” Moises says. “Suddenly our home surrounded by water. We tried to get whatever we could, but it was too late. We succeeded to take some animals.”

Moises left his house and the two hectares of different crops submerged in the water as well as goats, ducks and chickens. What he thought was a promising of year without hunger, is now submerged in water.

As the family approached a bridge, the water currents were too strong for the old man and his grandchildren.

The cattle succeeded to reach the dry land, but the children and Moises needed a help. Fortunately, some people gave them a helping hand.

“Comes to this side,” shouted the voices of the people standing next to the bridge pointing to the right where the water current was not so strong. A group of boys stretched a rope to rescue them.

“I heard in the radio that this could happen, but I was not fast enough,” Moises says.

Without water, food and shelter, Moises and his family, are among thousands of families with uncertainty future.

“We don’t know what we will eat and where to sleep from today. We are now looking for a safe place where we can stay,” he says.

Like Moises, about 100,000 have been displaced by the floods and more are expected to be displaced in the next two months.

Three accommodations centers have been set up for the affected people. However, they still lack shelter, sanitation and food.