A severe flooding catastrophe in Mozambique has triggered a cross-border humanitarian response, with South Africa deploying emergency resources to its neighboring nation. The crisis intensified when Andile Mngwevu, an Ekurhuleni municipal councillor, was swept away by raging floodwaters during an official visit to Gaza Province. While Mngwevu has been successfully accounted for, four accompanying individuals remain missing, their status unconfirmed according to municipal authorities.
The devastating floods have forced Mozambican President Daniel Chapo to cancel his scheduled appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, underscoring the severity of the situation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the deployment of two helicopters for multi-day rescue operations in Mozambique, stating they would remain until conditions stabilize.
The human toll continues to mount with reports indicating over 100 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage following weeks of relentless flooding. Meteorological forecasts predict further precipitation across central and northern regions as the country enters its annual cyclone season, exacerbating an already critical situation. The ongoing rainy season threatens to compound existing challenges, creating a complex emergency scenario requiring sustained international attention and support.