The rescue of newborn baby Rosita from a tree during the Mozambique floods last year was the lead item on television news around the world, and triggered an immense international response. Individuals in Britain gave more than $50 million. But why was Rosita born in a tree? And did our help make any difference?

Each new earthquake, cyclone and flood generates new pictures and new heart-rending tales. But it is rare to go back and ask why the disaster happened and if the response was appropriate.

As Mozambique is hit by new floods, it is important to learn the lessons of past ones.

The book answers questions and challenges myths about last year's floods in southern Mozambique:

• Why were the floods so bad?
• Were dams to blame?
• What about global warming?
• Had the floods been predicted?
• How well prepared was Mozambique?
• Why were people forced to take refuge in trees?
• Was aid too late?
• Did Africans play a role, or were people only saved by Europeans?
• How important was aid from Europe and the US?
• What happened to the money that was donated?
• What should be done to reduce loss of life in future?

The book is available from James Currey Publishers, at UK Pounds 11.95 (about US$ 18) plus postage (Pounds 2 in UK, Pounds 3 for other surface, Pounds 5 for airmail lower prices if order more than one book)

To order your copy, send your credit card details (name, address, number, expiry date) and address for delivery to James Currey Publishers

by fax: +44 18 65 24 64 54
or email: jamescurrey@dial.pipex.com
or post: 73 Botley Rd, Oxford OX2 0BS, England

or order from your bookshop, Amazon, etc

(The book will also be released later this year by Indiana University Press)