The Mozambican government has deactivated the Red Alert it announced in the aftermath of two deadly tropical storms that pummelled the south-eastern country since March, cabinet spokesperson Ana Comoana said on Tuesday.
The official told journalists after the weekly cabinet meeting that the decision was taken based on the easing of rains and the subsiding of rivers in the affected areas.
“In view of the progress made in the river basins, with the slowdown in rainfall, the government decided to deactivate the Red alert in the areas affected by the Cyclone Idai,” Comoana said.
She added that the government would however maintain measures to promote sanitation and the distribution of hygienic materials as well as work towards the repair of damaged infrastructure.
“The Mozambican executive will continue to monitor the situation on the ground, supporting food assistance with partners such as the United Nations’ World Food Programme,” she said.
Mozambique was affected by Cyclone Idai in March, which claimed more than 600 lives and caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, power lines and communication infrastructure.
This was followed by Cyclone Kenneth, which battered northern Mozambique in late April and killed 43 people.
CM/jn/APA