Thousands of people have been forced from their homes across Mozambique after relentless rains triggered widespread flooding, cutting off entire communities and leaving some residents stranded on rooftops as water levels continue to rise.
Aid agencies say the floods have affected more than 620,000 people nationwide, with at least 72,000 homes inundated. Roads, bridges and health facilities have also been damaged, severely hampering access to affected areas.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which is coordinating relief efforts, warned that the situation could deteriorate further as more rain is expected in the coming days and major dams are already at capacity.
“Water levels are still rising, and with continued rainfall forecast, more people could be placed at risk,” said IFRC programme and operations manager Rachel Fowler, speaking from the capital, Maputo.
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Rescue teams have been using small boats to reach survivors trapped by floodwaters, though access is becoming increasingly difficult. South Africa has deployed a military helicopter to assist with rescue operations.
In the southern province of Gaza, residents described fleeing with little warning. Celeste Maria, a hospital worker from Chokwe, said her family abandoned their home after authorities issued flood alerts last week.
“Our house is completely underwater,” she said. “Some of our neighbours stayed behind and are now sheltering on rooftops as the water keeps rising.”
Aerial footage shared by aid agencies shows vast stretches of land submerged, with only treetops visible above the water.
There have been no confirmed figures on deaths or injuries linked to the latest flooding.
President Daniel Chapo has cancelled his planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying saving lives was the government’s immediate priority.
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