Deadly Floods Strike Mozambique Again: 18 Killed, Thousands Displaced
Maputo, Mozambique — At least 18 people have drowned in a second wave of devastating floods sweeping across Mozambique, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The National Disaster Risk Management Institute (INGD) warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams assess the full damage.
The latest disaster follows severe flooding in January that killed 50 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Mozambique’s central and northern regions—including Sofala, Tete, Niassa, and Inhambane provinces—are now bearing the brunt of the crisis, with entire communities submerged under rising waters.
A Nation Under Water
INGD Chairperson Luisa Meque told reporters that most victims in the recent floods perished after being swept away by raging waters. “The majority of deaths were due to drowning,” she said, urging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately.
Since October, when the rainy season began, floods have claimed 296 lives and affected more than one million people. Another 17 remain missing, while 351 have suffered injuries.
Shelters Overwhelmed as Displacement Rises
With roads washed out and homes destroyed, over 10,000 Mozambicans have sought refuge in 31 emergency shelters nationwide. In Inhambane province alone, four centers are housing around 4,000 displaced families struggling with food shortages and disease risks.
January’s floods had already crippled southern regions, submerging major cities like Xai-Xai and Chokwe. Now, the new deluge threatens to deepen the humanitarian crisis, with aid groups scrambling to deliver clean water, medicine, and temporary housing.
Climate Change Worsening Disasters
Mozambique’s rainy season, which runs from October to April, has grown increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. Scientists warn that extreme weather events—including cyclones and flash floods—will intensify, leaving vulnerable nations like Mozambique with little time to recover between disasters.
The government has appealed for international assistance, but relief efforts remain hampered by damaged infrastructure and limited funding.
As survivors mourn the dead and search for missing loved ones, fears grow that the worst may not be over—forecasters predict more heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.
— Reported by Nexio News
