Floods in Mozambique: ZKI supports UN World Food Programme

After the end of January 2007, heavy seasonal rains in south-eastern Africa caused severe flooding, especially along the Zambezi River (Mozambique). The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) declared Red Alert on February 4, 2007, for the whole Zambezi River basin and expected the situation to last until end of February 2007. On February 8, the World Food Programme (WFP), working in this area, triggered the International Charter Space and Major Disasters in consequence of the cut off of Mutarara city by the floods. The National Water Directorate (DNA) and INGC anticipated a displacement of 200,000 to 300,000 people, heavy damages to infrastructure and crop yield, and loss of lives along the Zambezi River. The Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) of DLR provided overview and analysis maps in the framework of the European GMES Service Element RESPOND, supporting humanitarian relief activities. RESPOND partner UNOSAT took over the project management for this activation of the Charter.