Mozambique Declares Red Alert Amid Massive Flood Crisis

A humanitarian emergency has escalated in Mozambique, where relentless torrential rains since mid-December have now impacted more than 500,000 people. The United Nations and local authorities report that the provinces of Gaza, Maputo, and Sofala are the hardest hit by the surge of floodwaters.

Due to the severity of the crisis, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has canceled his scheduled attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The President opted to remain in the country to oversee the national response to the disaster.

Gaza Province: The Epicenter of the Disaster

Gaza province has emerged as the most devastated region, with approximately 40% of its land area currently submerged. Governor Margarida Mapandzene Chongo confirmed on Monday that the situation is critical:

• Mass Displacement: At least 327,000 residents in Gaza have been forced to flee their homes.
• Emergency Shelters: Over 50,000 people are being housed in approximately 50 temporary centers, including schools and churches.
• Urban Threats: Authorities have ordered an immediate evacuation of lower-lying areas in the provincial capital, Xai-Xai. The Limpopo River has burst its banks, turning city streets into fast-moving rivers.
• Total Devastation: In towns like Chokwe, floodwaters have reached roof levels, leaving almost no buildings visible.

Infrastructure Collapse and Supply Chain Disruptions

The flooding has crippled Mozambique’s national infrastructure. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted the scale of the destruction during a briefing on Monday:

1. Transport Lines Cut: The primary highway connecting the capital, Maputo, to the northern and central regions is now inaccessible.
2. Road Damage: Across nine provinces, nearly 5,000 kilometers of roads have been damaged, with 152 kilometers completely destroyed.
3. Agriculture and Health: Authorities report the loss of more than 27,000 livestock. Furthermore, many health facilities are either damaged or unreachable, hindering medical aid.

A Regional Crisis: “The Situation is Likely to Worsen”

The disaster is part of a broader regional weather event. Heavy rains have also caused severe flooding in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini.

Authorities warn that Gaza province remains at extreme risk because of its proximity to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Rivers flowing from these countries into Mozambique are continuing to swell. Governor Chongo noted that incoming water from southern Zimbabwe is expected to intensify the flooding in the coming days.

Emergency Rescue Operations Underway

Mozambique is currently under a countrywide red alert, the highest level of emergency warning. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction is coordinating high-risk rescues:

• Aerial Rescues: On Sunday alone, helicopters rescued 110 people trapped in trees and on high points, including children, elderly citizens, and a pregnant woman in labor.
• Casualties: The combined death toll across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe has surpassed 100 individuals.
• Financial Impact: Recovery costs are projected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars. In neighboring South Africa, damage in just one impacted province is estimated at $250 million.

READ ALSO: Iran Internet Blackout: Access May Return After Historic Protests