Mozambique Floods

Overview

Beginning in early January 2026, weeks of torrential rainfall caused devastating floods across southern and central Mozambique, primarily impacting Gaza, Maputo, Inhambane, Sofala, and Zambézia provinces. The government declared a nationwide Red Alert on January 16 as rivers overflowed and entire communities were submerged. Gaza Province bore the brunt of the disaster, accounting for approximately 75 percent of the affected population. More than 150 people have been killed, over 800,000 affected, and nearly 400,000 displaced, with over 100,000 people sheltered in approximately 100 accommodation centers at peak displacement. An estimated 4,000 homes were partially or completely destroyed, along with critical health facilities, water systems, and infrastructure. The humanitarian response plan requests $187 million to assist approximately 600,000 flood-affected people. International organizations including the Red Cross, Save the Children, CARE, and Direct Relief have mobilized emergency response operations providing medical supplies, food, shelter, and evacuation support to stranded communities.