Severe Flooding Devastates Southern Africa: A Humanitarian Crisis

Since early January 2026, southern Africa has been grappling with severe flooding, particularly affecting Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The floods have resulted in over 100 fatalities, with more than 700,000 people impacted across the region. Mozambique has declared a national emergency, with the government reporting significant destruction of infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land.

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In Mozambique, the flooding has been described as the worst in a generation, with the National Institute for Disaster Management and Reduction (INGD) reporting that approximately 691,527 people have been affected. The provinces of Gaza and Maputo are among the hardest hit, with over 105,000 people currently housed in temporary shelters. The floods have destroyed or damaged 366 schools and 229 health facilities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

EU sends second plane with aid to Mozambique in response to floods

The agricultural sector has also suffered, with an estimated 287,000 hectares of farmland inundated and over 325,000 livestock lost. The Ministry of Agriculture has indicated a need for 26,000 tonnes of certified seeds to support recovery efforts and the upcoming crop season.

Mozambique Seeks 26,000 Tonnes of Certified Seeds After Devastating Floods

Health officials are warning of a heightened risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases due to the flooding and inadequate sanitation in temporary shelters. Reports of crocodile attacks have emerged, with at least three fatalities attributed to crocodiles displaced by rising waters. The situation is dire, with many families still awaiting rescue, some clinging to treetops and rooftops.

Worst floods in a generation spark cholera fears in Mozambique

Rescue operations are ongoing, supported by international teams from Brazil, South Africa, and the UK. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed an Emergency Response Team to assist in coordination and relief efforts.

SADC deploys Emergency Response Team to Mozambique and South Africa to support disaster response, following recent floods and extreme weather conditions

The international community has mobilized to provide aid, with the European Union sending humanitarian supplies for 20,000 people. Norway has pledged NOK 18 million for relief efforts, while African ambassadors have contributed $15,000 to support flood victims. The United Nations has also released funds for emergency assistance, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian efforts.

Norway contributes over NOK 20 million to flood victims in Mozambique

Mozambique's President, Daniel Chapo, canceled a planned trip to the World Economic Forum to focus on the domestic response to the crisis. The government has declared a Red Alert, emphasizing the need for urgent humanitarian assistance. Local officials, such as Shafee Sidat, the mayor of Marracuene, have expressed concerns about residents refusing to evacuate risk areas, complicating rescue efforts.

Regional bloc deploys emergency team to flood-hit Mozambique (PHOTOS)

Critics have pointed out that the response to the flooding has been slower than in previous disasters, with funding for emergency responses reportedly lower than in the past. Aid workers have raised concerns about the preparedness of shelters and the potential for disease outbreaks due to overcrowding and poor sanitation.

Norway contributes over NOK 20 million to flood victims in Mozambique

As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are preparing for further challenges, including the potential for additional rainfall and the onset of the cyclone season. The SADC's Emergency Response Team will remain active in the region until January 31, 2026, focusing on ongoing assessments and humanitarian appeals.

SADC deploys Emergency Response Team to Mozambique and South Africa to support disaster response, following recent floods and extreme weather conditions

• “Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock “We want to urge everyone not to approach still waters because crocodiles are drifting in these waters.” — Henriques Bongece, Secretary of Mozambique’s Maputo Province

Crocodile warnings as floods devastate southern Africa

• “We expect that a large proportion of those who have been swept away or killed by the floods are children,” — Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique

Mozambique counts 13 dead in floods so far but toll expected to rise

• “We still have people to rescue, some of whom refuse to abandon the risk areas.” — Shafee Sidat, Mayor of Marracuene

Worst floods in a generation sweep Mozambique

The humanitarian crisis in southern Africa underscores the urgent need for coordinated international support and effective disaster response mechanisms to address the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

SADC Sends Emergency Team to Flood-Hit Mozambique, South Africa