Southern and central Mozambique face a severe humanitarian emergency as relentless rainfall has triggered extensive flooding, directly impacting an estimated 652,000 individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that the provinces of Gaza, Maputo, and Sofala are among the hardest-hit regions.
The scale of displacement is immense, with floodwaters submerging homes and forcing more than half of the affected population to flee. The official death toll stands at 22, with 45 individuals injured and a concerning 90 people reported missing, underscoring the human cost of the disaster.
Critical healthcare infrastructure has been severely compromised. A total of 229 health facilities have sustained damage, primarily concentrated in Gaza Province, with at least 26 forced to cease operations entirely due to flood destruction. This collapse in medical services exacerbates the vulnerability of displaced communities.
Logistical challenges are severely hindering relief operations. Widespread road closures, vast expanses of floodwater, and the geographic isolation of many communities are creating significant barriers to delivering essential life-saving aid and medical supplies.
In response, a coordinated international effort is underway. Humanitarian organizations are amplifying their support for government-led initiatives, focusing on delivering immediate, life-sustaining assistance. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has consolidated these efforts into a formal response plan, appealing for $187 million to provide crucial aid to 600,000 people.
Recognizing the need for expanded resources, the UN is actively seeking deeper engagement from the private sector. OCHA’s dedicated Private Sector Unit is offering neutral guidance to facilitate public-private partnerships, aiming to bolster collaboration and channel vital support to the devastated communities in Mozambique.