Mozambique Floods Devastate Families
In February this year everything changed in the lives of the isolated, rural inhabitants of three islands in the Limpopo River. Waters overwhelmed these Mozambican islands as well as much of the surrounding countryside, washing away a lifetime’s hard work.

World Vision organized the relief response for the inhabitants. Helicopters brought food provided through World Food Programme as well as seeds, tools, and survival and recovery kits to 1,349 families.

For 33-year-old Cristina Cossa from Zimilene Island, those airlifts were a new beginning.This mother of five children under age 12 saw the flood wipe away all the family’s possessions, including their home, crops, and farm animals. Cristina’s husband works away from home and was not there when disaster struck. Recalling that day, her voice sounds calm. "The waters started to rise, and it was so unexpected. Before knowing it, the house was flooded, and we had to run." Only the restless movements of her hands disclose the turmoil she felt.

World Vision Responds to Disasters
Earthquake. Floods. Famine. Violent conflict. These and other emergencies devastate the lives of those they touch. When people have little, such crises are life threatening, which is why World Vision helps the poorest victims of disasters.

This year World Vision responded to survivors of floods in Venezuela, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Mozambique, Vietnam, and Cambodia; an earthquake in Nicaragua; a volcano in Ecuador; drought in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Kenya; and conflict in East Timor, West Bank/Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Colombia.
Gifts That Light the Way
Responding to needs like Cristina’s requires strategic planning as well as contributions from faithful friends. When a major disaster strikes in a country where World Vision is operational, we place a trained Rapid Response Team on the ground within 24 hours to assess the impact and begin relief measures.

Enabled by a major contribution from a generous donor, this July World Vision opened a warehouse stocked with emergency provisions in Denver, Colorado. Here emergency Fly-Away Kits are stored that can each meet the essential needs of up to 2,000 people in the first seven days following a disaster or the ongoing needs of 1,000 families for up to 30 days as well as support staff operations on the ground. Although the Denver site opened after the Mozambican disaster, it promises to help thousands, lighting the way for many like Cristina in the future.

After receiving the large packs provided by World Vision donors and others, Cristina smiles again. She believes her family’s life will slowly return to normal. "I am grateful for everything we receive, and to all the people who thought about our misfortune and helped us," says Cristina.