The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed its Emergency Response Team (ERT) to Mozambique to support the government’s efforts in responding to severe flooding that has affected Gaza and Maputo provinces.
The deployment follows the Mozambican government’s declaration of a red alert on 16 January 2026 and an appeal for humanitarian assistance after weeks of heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction across several parts of the country.
Speaking after the deployment, Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat, said the move reflects regional solidarity in times of crisis.
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“The deployment of the SADC Emergency Response Team forms part of SADC’s regional disaster response mechanisms to support the government of Mozambique following the declaration of a red alert and the subsequent appeal for humanitarian assistance,” Lopi said.
She explained that the team is made up of specialists from various sectors who will work closely with national authorities to strengthen emergency operations on the ground.
“The SADC Emergency Response Team comprises a multidisciplinary team of experts in safety and security, logistics, search and rescue, information management and data collection, public health emergency response, civil-military coordination and communications, and multisectoral assessment,” she added.
The floods have submerged major roads, homes, schools and businesses, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and seek shelter in safer areas. Normal economic and social activities have been severely disrupted, with many communities cut off from basic services.
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