(9 Mar 2000) Voice and effects
VOICED BY: Vera Frankl
The United States has officially joined the relief operation in Mozambique.
The international effort has been criticised for delays and confusion after floods during the past two weeks left an estimated half a (m) million people homeless.
U-S Airforce helicopters delivered aid to destitute villagers, while the search continues for victims in isolated communities.
VOICE-OVER:
0.02
Widespread infrastructure across Mozambique lies in ruins.
0.05
The United States has been asked to find exactly where most of the damage has occurred, after the savage floods which wiped out villages, roads, bridges and small communities.
0.15
This is the only aerial assessment equipment of its kind in the southern African nation - it's being used in conjunction with a global satellite to pinpoint the worst hit areas.
0.26
The equipment has already helped locate isolated communities affected by the disaster.
0.29
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"They had covering, they had shelter, but if they decided that they need food up there, then that comes on the air tasking order and we jump in along with everybody else and send food."
SUPER CAPTION: General Joe Wherle, US Army
0.40
Two more American helicopters have also arrived in the port city of Beira, joining those from other countries in distributing aid to tens of thousands cut off from aid agencies.
0.48
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I'm not sure what the rescue potential is here, but we will do whatever we can."
SUPER CAPTION: Lt Matthew Schexnyder, US helicopter pilot
0.55
As more U-S soldiers landed in Beira, the concern for the refugees and for the aid agencies is the forecast of more rain.
1.03
It's a dour worry for the provincial capital of Gaza, half of which is still underwater.
In the city of Xai Xai businesses are submerged and the road links to the outside world have been washed away.
1.16
Hundreds of angry people are struggling to leave the city.
1.13
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I am here because I want to go to Maputo. My father died on last Sunday. I'm here. I can't get transport to go to Maputo."
SUPERCAPTION: Sylvester Langa, Flood victim
1.27
Others stay here - lamenting the loss of happier days.
1.30
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We grew up in this place, and we have a lot of friends around. So we used to play games and everything."
SUPERCAPTION: Faruk Tatia, Returnee
1.36
It will be a while before laughter can return to this ravaged city.
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