After several severe weather events in Mozambique affecting millions of people during the 21th century, there is an urgent need to identify strategies and activities to minimize these effects. The flood in Mocuba in the Lincungo River basin in 2015 was the most devasting in the last 70 years in Mozambique and resulted in more than 2700 people´s death and thousands more affected. The goal of this project was to identify adaptation strategies for the vulnerable population living in the Licungo river basin.
To minimize the effects of flooding events and the loss of human life, a training programme for local risk management committees was conducted and led by INGC – National Institute for Natural Disaster Management. The programme was divided into different training moments:
1. Risk mapping to identify the most vulnerable areas in Mocuba in case of future flooding
2. Training to identify the most suitable evacuation routes in risk areas
3. Rescue simulations including first aid exercises
The project helped to introduce climate change adaptation measures related to flooding of the Licungo River. Areas considered to be at high risk for flooding on the banks of the Licungo River are now used for vegetable production to discourage the return of house building in those areas. This is expected to reduce the death toll in the future flooding as well as prevent major damages to houses.
The surviving victims of the 2015 floods residing in risk areas received support for the reconstruction of their homes in resettlement areas less prone to flooding. However, further support is needed to improve their lives.
When implementing a similar project, one needs to be aware that climate change is a gradually process but that disaster risk reduction measures to mitigate potential future extreme events are a necessary investment.
It is important to continue finding the best new ways for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in order to avoid large negative effect adding to vulnerability and poverty in Africa. We must turn difficulties into challenges and opportunities.