Contact:  Robert Schofield, Medair Emergency Desk Officer (English), +41 (0)21 694 3535, +41 (0)79 622 9984 cell, robert.schofield@medair.org

MOZAMBIQUE, Feb. 12 /Standard Newswire/ -- Medair is to send an Emergency Assessment Manager to Mozambique on Monday after heavy rains threaten to cause massive flooding along the Zambezi River. The Cahora Bassa Dam has already been partially opened due to overcapacity, and if fully opened, could destroy homes, livelihoods and lead to the displacement of 300,000 people. 29 people have already died as a result of the flooding, and further rains are expected a week from now.

In anticipation of what could be a major emergency, Medair is sending personnel from South Africa to Sofala Province to assist a regional partner co-ordinate a potential response. Medair, drawing on its experience of its involvement in both the 2000 and 2001 floods in Mozambique, has the funds, expertise and equipment in place to respond immediately if the situation deteriorates.

Founded in 1988, Medair is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) independent of any political, economic, social or religious authority. Its international headquarters are based in Switzerland. Its mission is exclusively humanitarian and it accomplishes its work in a spirit of dedication and solidarity, inspired by its Christian values.

Medair's objectives are to respond to suffering victims in war and disaster situations (especially those which have been forgotten or neglected) through various kinds of emergency and rehabilitative projects.

Medair employs 50 people in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Holland. In the field, 200 full-time expatriates help populations in difficulty, with the support of 1600 local employees.

The organisation is certified ISO 9001 at world wide level for its quality management system.