Helpers torn between rescue and relief effort

With tonnes of aid finally arriving in Mozambique, emergency workers are torn between competing demands for helicopters to continue rescuing tens of thousands of people trapped by the floods, and the need to deliver supplies to those already rescued.

Stocks of food, tents and other supplies are building up in the capital, Maputo. But the problem remains how to get the aid to the flooded regions when most of the air transport is dedicated to plucking people from danger, particularly as more rains and overflowing rivers are predicted.

More than 12,000 people have been airlifted to safety by South African air force helicopters, but tens of thousands are still stranded.

There was relief in some areas yesterday as the waters fell, permitting many people to wade to safety. But Roy Trivedy, of Save the Children, said that with more floods predicted, the rescue would remain the priority.

"The government has taken a decision that they need to move these people if the rivers are rising again. Once these people are out we'll begin the second stage of this operation, to look after people until they go back to their homes."

But every person saved adds to the pressure on the refugee camps packed with hungry and sick survivors. The population of Chaquelan camp has risen from almost nothing to 30,000 in four days.

It is luckier than most. Oxfam has been able to fly in water purification equipment and plastic sheeting, but at other sites aid workers fear people could die in substantial numbers if they do not receive food and clean water soon.

The problem will be eased by the arrival of additional equipment, but it could take days to arrive. The US is sending helicopters and transport planes. Britain has sent a warship with five helicopters; France is sending one with two helicopters.