By Ebi Kesiena
The Government of Mozambique has announced that heavy rains and severe flooding have displaced more than 150,000 people, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods across several regions.
According to the Mozambican High Commissioner to Rwanda, Amade Miquidade, the floods have submerged over 45,000 hectares of farmland in three provinces, dealing a major blow to agriculture and heightening concerns over food security.
The disaster has also severely affected critical infrastructure, with more than 50 bridges destroyed and approximately 4,500 kilometres of roads submerged, cutting off many communities from essential services.
The heavy rainfall, which began in early January, has impacted the provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Sofala. Miquidade noted that the severity of the situation has been worsened by extreme weather conditions, with some affected areas recording up to 800 millimetres of rainfall.
He further warned that weather forecasts predict an additional 250 millimetres of rain over the next 10 days, along with the possible formation of a cyclone, raising fears that the humanitarian crisis could deteriorate further.
In light of the unfolding emergency, Mozambique has appealed to the international community for assistance, calling in particular on the people of Rwanda to show solidarity with those affected. The High Commissioner also urged African nations to offer support in the spirit of continental unity.
He stressed that humanitarian aid would provide critical relief to communities struggling with displacement, loss of livelihoods and damaged infrastructure.
Mozambique remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in Southern Africa, and authorities say they are working closely with humanitarian partners to address urgent needs as the situation continues to evolve.
