At least three people have been killed in Malawi as flooding continues to ravage southern Africa. Zambia declared a national disaster Thursday.
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa made the announcement during a visit to flood-stricken southern Zambia, the state-run broadcaster reported.
About 35 flood-related deaths have been reported in the region with authorities
and aid agencies fearing this toll will rise as more rain is expected.
Torrential rains in Zambia and Zimbabwe have swollen the mighty Zambezi river _ Africa's fourth longest _ to well above the flood limit, with valleys in Malawi and Mozambique bearing the brunt as the waters hurtle down toward the Indian Ocean.
Lowford Palani, district commissioner Chikwawa, in Malawi's southern Lower Shire Valley, said the three people died as they tried to cross flooded rivers.
He said heavy rains continue falling daily, destroying houses and large tracts of crop fields. Livestock has also been lost.
«We are yet to determine how many people have been displaced because our assessment officers are failing to reach several villages as roads and bridges have been destroyed,» he said.
Palani said tents are being erected to house displaced people while the Department of Disaster Preparedness has warned of more flooding in the Lower Shire Valley.
In Zambia, where one death has been reported, Mwanawasa appealed Wednesday for international aid, saying the country would not be able to shoulder the burden of reconstruction alone.
With another two months of the rainy season _ and the peak only expected in mid-February _ flooding in central Mozambique is expected to be more extensive than in 2001 when 800 people died.
But Mozambican authorities are optimistic they could keep loss of life to a minimum_ seven flood-related deaths have been reported so far _ thanks to their disaster prevention strategy which say planning begin last October.
Zimbabwe, where 27 people died, has reportedly seen the heaviest rains since colonial era records. With chronic shortages of hard currency and the world's highest inflation, the country's rescue services are ill-equipped to cope.
Associated Press Writers Emmanuel Camillo in Maputo, Mozambique and Joseph J. Schatz in Lusaka, Zambia contributed to this report.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Malawi Expo 2008 to showcase Malawi in July
Malawi Expo 2008 – Hilton Hotel, San Bernardino, California, USA
1st-7th July 2008
San Bernardino, CA, USA—15 January 2008. This will be the first ever event which will attract entrepreneurs, academicians, transporters, manufacturers, retailers and third party service providers from all over the world on July 1-7, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel San Bernardino, California.
Three jam-packed days will start on Tuesday July 1, 2008, with The Mayor of San Bernardino, Honorable Patrick J. Morris, officially opening the MalawiExpo 2008. Activities will include pre-conference workshops, Industry Focus Group Meetings, the opening of the Exhibit Hall and the MalawiExpo Golf Tournament. Have you checked out the workshop schedule lately? We now have seven different workshops to interest all levels of business professionals. Workshops are filling up fast, so make sure to reserve your seat today. Also, check out the committee open forum discussions. We have recently added an Apparel Committee meeting in addition to Food & Beverage, Wireless Communication, Data Storage, Information Technology, Retail Consumer Products, Spare Parts Management and Medical/Pharmaceutical meetings.
After the honorable Mayor, Her Excellency Hawa Ndilowe, Malawi Ambassador to the USA, will address the forum, followed by sessions with Dr. Robert Kamkwalala leading academics and panel discussions. The evening will boast a sponsored reception—come enjoy great food, live music and the opportunity to network with giants in the business sector.
Wednesday’s Keynote Address will be by Dr.Themba Mzimzi, who will present his paper titled “The Role of Africans in Diaspora”. Blantyre Merchants Logistics, Costco Wholesale, Enterprise Rent a Car, My Baby Footwear, Limbe African Wear, from the USA, Mapeto David Whitehead, Nali Limited and Mike’s Trading(from Malawi) are just but a few of the session participants during this period.
Join us before the main conference on Thursday July 3, 2008—no place in the world can match the excitement generated in California around summer time. For those who want to spend one-on-one time with clients (current or prospective), join us for the MalawiExpo 2008 Golf Tournament on the morning of Saturday July 5, 2008.
On 6th July 2008, Malawi Independence Day celebrations run from morning till dusk. The event will consist of a talent show ,soccer match , live music , fashion show , and dinner .Later the fun moves from the Hilton Hotel to Lock ‘N’ Load from 11:30 pm until 8:00am 7th July 2008.
MalawiExpo 2008 Conferences & Expos are produced by the Malawi Exposition 2008 (www.MalawiExpo.com). The Malawi Business Consortium exists to create a platform on which African companies and businesses can showcase their products and services to those in the Diaspora.
It is also a networking platform where professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world can interact and exchange ideas.
Interested vendors may participate as exhibitors in the MalawiExpo 2008 by submitting the registration form which is available on our website. Exhibitors have the opportunity to market their products and services to buyers and representatives from the global business community.
The following are some comments by those in support of this noble cause:
“First of all I would like to thank you for this initiative which I find to be relevant to my government ‘s efforts of transforming Malawi as an importing and consuming country to a producing and exporting one . As you may recall, I have, on several occasions, called on Malawians living abroad to support my government in its quest to integrate into global economy.
I am, therefore, happy to note that you have responded to my call .As a government, we take this event as a launch of the partnership that we seek to establish with Malawians in Diaspora.”
His Excellency Dr.BinguWa Mutharika
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
“The Embassy would like to work closely with you as we market Malawi together.”
Her Excellency Hawa Ndilowe
Malawi Ambassador to USA.
“We are encouraged by your efforts to mobilize the Malawian Diaspora to further Malawi’s development.”
Timothy Gilbo
Country Manager, The World Bank
“I take this opportunity to wish the MalawiExpo Business Consortium success in its noble endeavor and also congratulate you for the initiative.”
Dr. Maxwell M. Mkwezalamba
Commissioner for Economic Affairs, African Union - Ethiopia
“It sounds like the more interesting event and one that will benefit the long term development efforts of Malawi. Please permit me to wish you all the best with your exposition.”
Jeff Elzinga,
Professor of Writing-Director, Malawi Teacher Seduction Program
LakelandCollege. USA
“Your upcoming Expo will play an important role in this regard.”
Dr. Felicia Mabuza-Suttle
Entrepreneur, Talk-Show Host, Author, RSA
For more information visit MalawiExpo.com or call (909) 825 2198.
1st-7th July 2008
San Bernardino, CA, USA—15 January 2008. This will be the first ever event which will attract entrepreneurs, academicians, transporters, manufacturers, retailers and third party service providers from all over the world on July 1-7, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel San Bernardino, California.
Three jam-packed days will start on Tuesday July 1, 2008, with The Mayor of San Bernardino, Honorable Patrick J. Morris, officially opening the MalawiExpo 2008. Activities will include pre-conference workshops, Industry Focus Group Meetings, the opening of the Exhibit Hall and the MalawiExpo Golf Tournament. Have you checked out the workshop schedule lately? We now have seven different workshops to interest all levels of business professionals. Workshops are filling up fast, so make sure to reserve your seat today. Also, check out the committee open forum discussions. We have recently added an Apparel Committee meeting in addition to Food & Beverage, Wireless Communication, Data Storage, Information Technology, Retail Consumer Products, Spare Parts Management and Medical/Pharmaceutical meetings.
After the honorable Mayor, Her Excellency Hawa Ndilowe, Malawi Ambassador to the USA, will address the forum, followed by sessions with Dr. Robert Kamkwalala leading academics and panel discussions. The evening will boast a sponsored reception—come enjoy great food, live music and the opportunity to network with giants in the business sector.
Wednesday’s Keynote Address will be by Dr.Themba Mzimzi, who will present his paper titled “The Role of Africans in Diaspora”. Blantyre Merchants Logistics, Costco Wholesale, Enterprise Rent a Car, My Baby Footwear, Limbe African Wear, from the USA, Mapeto David Whitehead, Nali Limited and Mike’s Trading(from Malawi) are just but a few of the session participants during this period.
Join us before the main conference on Thursday July 3, 2008—no place in the world can match the excitement generated in California around summer time. For those who want to spend one-on-one time with clients (current or prospective), join us for the MalawiExpo 2008 Golf Tournament on the morning of Saturday July 5, 2008.
On 6th July 2008, Malawi Independence Day celebrations run from morning till dusk. The event will consist of a talent show ,soccer match , live music , fashion show , and dinner .Later the fun moves from the Hilton Hotel to Lock ‘N’ Load from 11:30 pm until 8:00am 7th July 2008.
MalawiExpo 2008 Conferences & Expos are produced by the Malawi Exposition 2008 (www.MalawiExpo.com). The Malawi Business Consortium exists to create a platform on which African companies and businesses can showcase their products and services to those in the Diaspora.
It is also a networking platform where professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world can interact and exchange ideas.
Interested vendors may participate as exhibitors in the MalawiExpo 2008 by submitting the registration form which is available on our website. Exhibitors have the opportunity to market their products and services to buyers and representatives from the global business community.
The following are some comments by those in support of this noble cause:
“First of all I would like to thank you for this initiative which I find to be relevant to my government ‘s efforts of transforming Malawi as an importing and consuming country to a producing and exporting one . As you may recall, I have, on several occasions, called on Malawians living abroad to support my government in its quest to integrate into global economy.
I am, therefore, happy to note that you have responded to my call .As a government, we take this event as a launch of the partnership that we seek to establish with Malawians in Diaspora.”
His Excellency Dr.BinguWa Mutharika
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
“The Embassy would like to work closely with you as we market Malawi together.”
Her Excellency Hawa Ndilowe
Malawi Ambassador to USA.
“We are encouraged by your efforts to mobilize the Malawian Diaspora to further Malawi’s development.”
Timothy Gilbo
Country Manager, The World Bank
“I take this opportunity to wish the MalawiExpo Business Consortium success in its noble endeavor and also congratulate you for the initiative.”
Dr. Maxwell M. Mkwezalamba
Commissioner for Economic Affairs, African Union - Ethiopia
“It sounds like the more interesting event and one that will benefit the long term development efforts of Malawi. Please permit me to wish you all the best with your exposition.”
Jeff Elzinga,
Professor of Writing-Director, Malawi Teacher Seduction Program
LakelandCollege. USA
“Your upcoming Expo will play an important role in this regard.”
Dr. Felicia Mabuza-Suttle
Entrepreneur, Talk-Show Host, Author, RSA
For more information visit MalawiExpo.com or call (909) 825 2198.
Ex Malawi coach in frame for 2010 Lesotho post
Former Malawi coach Kim Splidsboel heads the names on a four-man shortlist of foreigners drawn up by football chiefs in Lesotho to take charge of the national team.
Splidsboel, a Danish national, told AFP that he would be willing to be interviewed for the post as long as his bill for the trip to the mountain kingdom in southern Africa was picked up.
Englishman Stewart Hall, Germany's Zitter Glutter and the Serb Zavisa Milankovic complete the shortlist, sources inside the Lesotho FA said.
According to FA spokesman Mokhosi Mohapi, the coach should be in place by March in time for the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in neighbouring South Africa.
"We need the coach as early as possible because we need to have a competitive team for these competitions," Mohapi said.
The last coach Mothao Mohapi, a Lesotho national, was sacked in November after a string of poor results. His predecessor, Germany's Tony Hey, was sacked in 2005.
Splidsboel, a Danish national, told AFP that he would be willing to be interviewed for the post as long as his bill for the trip to the mountain kingdom in southern Africa was picked up.
Englishman Stewart Hall, Germany's Zitter Glutter and the Serb Zavisa Milankovic complete the shortlist, sources inside the Lesotho FA said.
According to FA spokesman Mokhosi Mohapi, the coach should be in place by March in time for the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in neighbouring South Africa.
"We need the coach as early as possible because we need to have a competitive team for these competitions," Mohapi said.
The last coach Mothao Mohapi, a Lesotho national, was sacked in November after a string of poor results. His predecessor, Germany's Tony Hey, was sacked in 2005.
Southern Africa floods kill 40, aid sought
Floods in southern Africa have killed about 40 people in a growing humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the region and brought renewed appeals for Western financial help.
Heavy rains have caused rivers in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi to burst, killing three people in Malawi since Friday and forcing hundreds of others to flee their homes.
Seven people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in Mozambique in the last two weeks, the national relief agency says. U.N. agencies say three have been killed in Zambia.
In Zimbabwe, state media have reported 27 people have been killed by floods since mid-December but relief officials have not confirmed the figure. Some victims in the region were killed by crocodiles.
In Malawi, floods swept away livestock and inundated agricultural land.
"Crops and livestock have either been destroyed or displaced and people seeking refuge are at risk of drowning as most rivers are swollen," Lowford Palani, the acting commissioner in Malawi's flooded Chikwawa district, told Reuters on Thursday.
Palani said more than 200 people in 24 villages in the southern district, which has experienced food shortages in the past as a result of floods, had been displaced since last week when heavy rains caused the Shire and other rivers to overflow.
The flooding in Malawi came as authorities in a number of neighbouring countries warned that the crisis threatened to devastate their agricultural sectors and destroy roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the region.
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa launched a fresh appeal for some $13 million in aid from Western donors to help his government cope. It came after flooding cut off a key trade route with Malawi and Mozambique.
"Normally it is not right to appeal for support at occasions of this nature, but I am concerned with the damage being caused to key infrastructure, hence my appeal to donors," Mwanawasa told state-owned television late on Wednesday.
"The government alone cannot manage to respond to the crisis," he said.
FEARS RISE IN ZIMBABWE
Heavy downpours are common in southern Africa during the annual rainy season, which runs generally from November to April, but the relentless rain is unusual and has caught officials off guard.
Concerns are especially high in Zimbabwe, which has struggled to feed itself amid a deep economic slide that has been marked by chronic shortages of food and fuel, rising poverty and inflation over 8,000 percent.
Agricultural production in the once prosperous southern African nation has sharply declined since 2000 when Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's government began seizing thousands of white-owned farms and distributing the land to poor blacks.
Mugabe's cash-strapped government, which had pinned its hopes for an economic recovery on a good harvest in 2008, is working with aid agencies to assist villagers who lost houses and crops to the raging floodwaters.
But Zimbabwe's meteorological services department dashed hopes of a break in the weather when it said on Wednesday that "significant rains" and heavy storms in the coming days could worsen the flooding in the northern part of the nation.
Mozambique also is struggling to cope with floods in its central provinces. The United Nations warned earlier this week the floods there could be worse than those in 2000-2001, when 700 people died and another half a million became refugees.
(Additional reporting by Shapi Shacinda in Lusaka, Charles Mangwiro in Maputo and Nelson Banya in Harare)
Heavy rains have caused rivers in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi to burst, killing three people in Malawi since Friday and forcing hundreds of others to flee their homes.
Seven people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in Mozambique in the last two weeks, the national relief agency says. U.N. agencies say three have been killed in Zambia.
In Zimbabwe, state media have reported 27 people have been killed by floods since mid-December but relief officials have not confirmed the figure. Some victims in the region were killed by crocodiles.
In Malawi, floods swept away livestock and inundated agricultural land.
"Crops and livestock have either been destroyed or displaced and people seeking refuge are at risk of drowning as most rivers are swollen," Lowford Palani, the acting commissioner in Malawi's flooded Chikwawa district, told Reuters on Thursday.
Palani said more than 200 people in 24 villages in the southern district, which has experienced food shortages in the past as a result of floods, had been displaced since last week when heavy rains caused the Shire and other rivers to overflow.
The flooding in Malawi came as authorities in a number of neighbouring countries warned that the crisis threatened to devastate their agricultural sectors and destroy roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the region.
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa launched a fresh appeal for some $13 million in aid from Western donors to help his government cope. It came after flooding cut off a key trade route with Malawi and Mozambique.
"Normally it is not right to appeal for support at occasions of this nature, but I am concerned with the damage being caused to key infrastructure, hence my appeal to donors," Mwanawasa told state-owned television late on Wednesday.
"The government alone cannot manage to respond to the crisis," he said.
FEARS RISE IN ZIMBABWE
Heavy downpours are common in southern Africa during the annual rainy season, which runs generally from November to April, but the relentless rain is unusual and has caught officials off guard.
Concerns are especially high in Zimbabwe, which has struggled to feed itself amid a deep economic slide that has been marked by chronic shortages of food and fuel, rising poverty and inflation over 8,000 percent.
Agricultural production in the once prosperous southern African nation has sharply declined since 2000 when Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's government began seizing thousands of white-owned farms and distributing the land to poor blacks.
Mugabe's cash-strapped government, which had pinned its hopes for an economic recovery on a good harvest in 2008, is working with aid agencies to assist villagers who lost houses and crops to the raging floodwaters.
But Zimbabwe's meteorological services department dashed hopes of a break in the weather when it said on Wednesday that "significant rains" and heavy storms in the coming days could worsen the flooding in the northern part of the nation.
Mozambique also is struggling to cope with floods in its central provinces. The United Nations warned earlier this week the floods there could be worse than those in 2000-2001, when 700 people died and another half a million became refugees.
(Additional reporting by Shapi Shacinda in Lusaka, Charles Mangwiro in Maputo and Nelson Banya in Harare)
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