Mozambique is facing a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis as widespread flooding across central and southern regions has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and overwhelmed already strained aid systems, according to the United Nations and partner agencies.
Official figures from UNHCR, OCHA and the World Food Programme (WFP) show that around 700,000 people have been affected across Gaza, Maputo and Sofala provinces, with conditions expected to worsen as heavy rainfall continues.
Mass displacement and rising deaths
Nearly 392,000 people have been forced from their homes, many sheltering in makeshift accommodation. About 100,000 displaced people are living in roughly 100 temporary centres, including schools and public buildings, where overcrowding has triggered serious protection and public health concerns.
Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) said nearly 140 people have died since flooding began in October 2025.
UN launches major funding appeal
The United Nations on Jan. 29 launched a $187 million Humanitarian Response Plan Addendum to provide emergency assistance through June, targeting some 700,000 people affected by the floods.
Key funding requirements include:
- UNHCR: $38.2 million for protection, shelter and prevention of gender-based violence
- WFP: $32 million for emergency food assistance and the deployment of helicopters and boats to reach 450,000 people over three months
- IOM: $38.4 million for displacement tracking, camp management and restoration of basic services
The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund has already released $5 million, while donors including Norway, the United States and the European Union have begun pledging additional support.
Protection and access challenges
UN agencies warn that conditions inside overcrowded shelters pose severe risks, particularly for women and children. UNHCR cited heightened threats of sexual exploitation, abuse and gender-based violence due to inadequate lighting, privacy and security.
Access remains a major challenge, with more than 1,300 kilometres of roads damaged or destroyed, and hundreds of schools and health facilities flooded, leaving some communities accessible only by air or water.
Crisis compounded by conflict displacement
The flooding crisis comes as Mozambique continues to host more than 300,000 people displaced by conflict in the country’s north, further stretching humanitarian capacity.
Worsening outlook
Weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall, raising fears that the number of people affected could approach one million. UN officials warned that delays in funding and access could significantly worsen conditions for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people.
