Agenzia Fides

Maputo (Fides Service) - About 30,000 families in the southern Mozambican province of Gaza have been in a state of famine since March. The problem is particularly serious in Chibiuto, Changalane, Bilene, Güija and Chicualacuala. According to local sources, there is an immediate and urgent need of food aid to try to save the lives of the people of these four areas, who are currently feeding on leaves, roots, wild fruits, and the little food they still have, aware that this situation cannot last long. Although in Gaza, about a month ago, we were able to produce more food, the distribution has not yet been carried out. Since March, the four regions are supported by the World Food Programme. Hunger is also felt in neighboring areas and regions of Manjacaze, Macia, Xai Xai and Malahice. The production in Gaza has been hampered by torrential rain from February to March, which have caused severe flooding in the Limpopo valley. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 13/09/2012)