Regional team deploys to Mozambique as floods affect 650,000

2026-01-25 - 21:05

A specialized emergency response team from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has arrived in Mozambique to support national efforts following devastating floods that have impacted hundreds of thousands and caused significant damage. Multidisciplinary Team Integration The regional bloc announced on Sunday that its multidisciplinary team, which arrived on Saturday, has been integrated into Mozambique's national humanitarian coordination system. The team comprises experts in critical areas including logistics, search and rescue, public health, communications, and civil-military coordination to bolster the ongoing recovery operations. Scale of Damage and Impact According to the SADC statement, the widespread floods have caused extensive destruction to vital infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities across the southeastern African nation. The disaster has affected more than 650,000 people, with the death toll currently standing at at least 12 individuals reported across several provinces. Gaza Province as the Epicenter The province of Gaza in southern Mozambique has been identified as the hardest-hit area, with nearly 392,000 people affected and four confirmed fatalities. Other impacted regions include Maputo Province, Maputo City, and Sofala Province, each reporting several deaths and widespread displacement. The situation underscores the severe humanitarian challenge facing the country.