Flooding in Mozambique has forced tens of thousands from their homes along the Zambezi river valley, following weeks of heavy rain.

According to government figures, at least 60,000 people have now fled low-lying areas, and up to 500,000 have been affected as homes and crops are washed away.

So far, the government and local agencies are coping well with the crisis.

The Mozambican government's National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) is co-ordinating relief efforts, including the evacuation by boat or helicopter of those most at risk.

Local agencies, including Christian Aid's partner the Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM), are helping those who have lost their homes.

This work is being supported by Action by Churches Together (ACT), an international church-based network of which Christian Aid is a member.

ACT has sent 50,000 US dollars to enable local partners to transport stockpiles of disaster kits to 8,000 families in the worst affected areas.

CCM is working in the districts of Mopeia and Chinde in central Mozambique, distributing shelter materials, blankets, clothes, pans and water buckets.

Christian Aid is ready to step up its response if heavy rains continue.

'The Mozambique government is coping well so far,' said Christian Aid's country representative in Mozambique, Andrew Clayton.

'The main concern is whether they will have the ability to cope with a major evacuation if things suddenly get worse.'

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