Mozambique Faces Catastrophic Flooding As Rescue Efforts Intensify

Sun Feb 01 2026 12:01:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The worst floods in a generation have displaced tens of thousands in Mozambique, with rescue teams from multiple countries providing assistance as locals seek shelter amidst rising waters.

Severe flooding in Mozambique has left tens of thousands displaced as the Inkomati River has overflowed, affecting southern and central regions. With international support, local authorities are performing rescues, but many residents are reluctant to leave their homes despite the dangers. Shelters are overcrowded, and food shortages are becoming a pressing concern.

Tens of thousands of people in Mozambique are being rescued as rising waters continue to devastate the southern African nation - the worst flooding in a generation.

Teams from Brazil, South Africa, and the UK have been assisting with life-saving rescue operations. Tomaz Antonio Mlau, a mechanic, stated, For me, this is the first time I have experienced a calamity of this magnitude. Elders say a similar disaster took place in the 1990s. He and his family had to evacuate their home in Marracuene after the Inkomati River burst its banks.

As of now, approximately 4,000 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters, with many being farmers from low-lying areas. Francisco Fernando Chivindzi, a 67-year-old farmer, lamented, We lost everything in the floodwaters, including houses, livestock, and our farms. Local authorities estimate that over 650,000 people have been affected, with 12 recorded deaths.

Mayor Shafee Sidat of Marracuene mentioned the continued risk of rising waters due to inflow from a dam in South Africa. We are worried about the discharges, as our area is the last one downstream, he stated. The floods have also disrupted main roads, leading to shortages and increased prices of essential supplies.

Meanwhile, residents in shelters, such as Gwazamutini Secondary School, are facing food shortages, with many families arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs. Aninha Vicente Mivinga noted, On the first day, there was almost nothing to eat. As rescue operations continue, the need for sustained humanitarian aid remains crucial to address the growing challenges faced by affected families.