Mozambique is grappling with devastating floods as the death toll continues to climb, while neighbouring South Africa also reports more casualties after weeks of relentless rain.
Since the start of the rainy season in early October, at least 113 people have died in Mozambique, with 13 fatalities recorded in the past week alone, according to the National Disasters Management Institute. Entire communities remain submerged, forcing thousands from their homes. One woman was even compelled to give birth on a rooftop while seeking refuge from the rising waters. Images circulating online show murky, fast-moving floodwaters sweeping through Xai Xai, roughly 200 kilometres northeast of Maputo along the Limpopo River basin.
In South Africa, heavy rains have pushed the death toll in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to 38. Rescue teams are stretched as local authorities and the military coordinate search and relief efforts, including deploying helicopters to assist Mozambique’s response.
President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique cancelled a planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to oversee emergency operations. According to UNICEF, more than 432,000 people have been affected across the country, with over 49,000 relocated to temporary shelters.
The region faces a long road to recovery as communities confront both the immediate dangers of rising waters and the broader challenges of rebuilding lives and infrastructure.
