A second wave of torrential rains has unleashed devastating floods across Mozambique, claiming 18 lives, officials reported Monday.
The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) said most fatalities resulted from drowning, as swollen rivers and streets engulfed entire communities.
INGD said 31 accommodation centers nationwide are sheltering about 10,000 displaced people, with four in Inhambane province alone hosting roughly 4,000 residents.
The floods have destroyed infrastructure, cutting off roads, damaging schools, and crippling local agricultural areas critical for food security and livelihoods.
Mozambique’s 2025-2026 rainy and cyclonic season has hit nearly 1 million people nationwide, causing widespread suffering and straining emergency services.
Authorities warned that more heavy rains are forecast in the coming days, raising fears of further displacement and property loss across southern regions.
Emergency teams are racing to provide relief, distributing food, clean water, and medical aid while reinforcing vulnerable communities against rising waters.
Local residents described harrowing scenes of homes swept away, streets submerged, and families clinging to trees or rooftops to survive.
Officials urged citizens to follow safety guidelines, avoid flooded areas, and seek shelter in designated centers to reduce casualties during ongoing storms.
The government is coordinating with international partners to deliver humanitarian aid and assess long-term recovery needs for affected regions.
Mozambique’s history of cyclones and flooding has left communities especially vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
Authorities emphasised that timely warnings and emergency shelters remain vital to mitigate further human and economic losses during the ongoing rainy season.