South Africa has deployed a specialist rescue team to assist search operations in Mozambique after a local politician was swept away by floodwaters during a visit to the country, as severe flooding continues to batter the region.
Andile Mngwevu, a councillor in South Africa’s Ekurhuleni municipality east of Johannesburg, was travelling with four other people in Mozambique’s Gaza province when their vehicle was caught in fast moving floodwaters, according to officials.
Authorities said only one of the occupants has so far been located, while the status and whereabouts of the remaining passengers remain unclear.
The floods have caused widespread destruction in both Mozambique and South Africa, forcing Mozambican President Daniel Chapo to cancel a planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that two helicopters had been deployed to assist Mozambique for several days, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Weeks of heavy rainfall in Mozambique have damaged critical infrastructure and killed more than 100 people. A report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said around 400,000 people have been affected nationwide.
In South Africa, government figures show that more than 30 people have died in just two provinces since November due to flooding.
Mozambique has declared a red alert in response to the disaster, while South Africa has announced a national state of disaster. Further heavy rainfall is forecast across large parts of central and northern Mozambique as the country enters its annual cycl