Thousands affected by severe flooding in Mozambique, UN says

Flooding in Mozambique: Impact and Response

The United Nations reports that over 500,000 individuals have been impacted by flooding in southern and central Mozambique. Continuous heavy rainfall since mid-December has resulted in extensive flooding across the Gaza, Maputo, and Sofala provinces.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq detailed the situation on Monday, noting significant infrastructure damage. Nearly 5,000 kilometers of roads have been affected across nine provinces, and the primary route connecting the capital, Maputo, to the rest of the country is currently inaccessible. Consequently, supply chains have been severely disrupted, and authorities have reported a loss of over 27,000 livestock.

Evacuations are in progress, with 50 temporary accommodation centers currently housing more than 50,000 individuals nationwide. Additional funding is urgently required to maintain the humanitarian response.

Other countries in the region, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini, have also experienced severe flooding recently.

In Gaza province, more than 300,000 people have been displaced due to flooding. Governor Margarida Mapandzene Chongo reported that approximately 327,000 individuals are being accommodated in temporary shelters such as schools and churches. The province, which has a population of about 1.4 million, has seen approximately 40% of its area submerged.

The government has recommended evacuations from lower areas of Xai-Xai, the provincial capital, as additional flooding threatens the city of around 115,000 residents. Floodwaters have significantly impacted the region, with streets resembling rivers.

Severe flooding has resulted in over 100 fatalities in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The flooding in northern South Africa is exacerbating conditions in Gaza as rivers overflow into Mozambique. Governor Chongo indicated that the situation might worsen due to continuous heavy rains in southern Zimbabwe.

Mozambique, with a population of 34 million, has faced severe weather events, including cyclones and droughts, in recent years. Several provinces are currently in critical condition due to flooding, prompting a nationwide red alert warning.

The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction is leading rescue operations. Recently, 110 individuals, including children and the elderly, were rescued via helicopter from high-risk areas.

Transport and Logistics Minister João Matlombe reported that 40% of Gaza is underwater. Nationwide, 152 kilometers of roads have been completely destroyed, and over 3,000 kilometers have been damaged. Recovery costs for Mozambique are expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars.

Based on reporting by Africanews.