MOZAMBIQUE: FLOODING DISASTER: UK HELICOPTERS

(5 Mar 2000) English/Nat More international help has arrived in Mozambique to join the rescue of thousands of people still stranded in tree tops and on roofs by floodwaters. British helicopter crews landed in Maputo's International Airport Sunday and are a much needed boost to the relief effort. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We're here to join in with the rest of the British aid effort that has already been established here to provide support to the South African helicopter pilots and to the other crews rescuing the people of Mozambique from the flood crisis." SUPER CAPTION: Wing Commander, Baz North Just hours after arriving in Mozambique the two British helicopters were already involved in the rescue operation. They are concentrating their efforts around the city of Chibuto, 200 kms (roughly 140 miles) north east of Maputo. Meanwhile, aid from German relief agencies has also arrived in Maputo's. The German aid will be sent to the central coastal area surrounding the city of Beira. And as many as 600 American troops, six helicopters and six cargo planes are expected in Mozambique's capital and in neighboring South Africa. They'll be helping to distribute food to the survivors of the devastating flooding which is believed to have killed thousands. Rescue helicopters, meanwhile, are continuing the search for those still stranded by the receding water. The country's president says the international community has been slow to respond - but they are beginning to catch up. He says at least 250 (m) million U-S dollars will be needed to rebuild the nation, and that people affected by the floods will have to be fed for at least ten months until they can grow new crops. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...