SADC Deploys Emergency Team to Mozambique Following Devastating Floods

SADC sent an emergency team to Mozambique to aid over 650,000 people affected by severe floods. Gaza Province was hardest hit, with nearly 392,000 affected and four deaths, while other provinces bring the total toll to at least 12. The floods damaged roads, schools, and health facilities.

A regional emergency response team from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has arrived in Mozambique to provide urgent support following catastrophic floods that have affected more than 650,000 people across the country, the regional bloc confirmed on Sunday. The deployment underscores the importance of regional cooperation in responding to natural disasters and reflects the shared commitment of SADC member states to assist nations in crisis.
The SADC team, composed of experts from multiple disciplines, including logistics, search and rescue, public health, communications, and civil-military coordination, arrived in Mozambique on Saturday. Upon arrival, the team was immediately integrated into the nation’s existing humanitarian coordination system, working alongside government agencies, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and efficiently delivered. Their presence is expected to strengthen Mozambique’s capacity to reach the most vulnerable communities and facilitate the timely distribution of essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, and temporary shelter.
The floods have caused widespread and severe damage across several provinces in Mozambique. Roads have been washed away, making access to affected areas extremely difficult, while schools, health facilities, and other essential infrastructure have suffered significant destruction. Many residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, seek temporary shelter, and rely heavily on emergency assistance for basic necessities.
Among the hardest-hit areas, Gaza Province has reported nearly 392,000 people affected, with four fatalities confirmed. Maputo Province has reported three deaths, while the capital, Maputo City, has recorded one death. Sofala Province has also reported four deaths, bringing the national death toll to at least 12. These numbers reflect only the immediate human toll, as many communities continue to face life-threatening conditions, including displacement, food shortages, and limited access to healthcare.
SADC’s intervention is a critical part of Mozambique’s broader disaster response efforts. The team’s expertise in logistics and civil-military coordination is particularly vital for navigating flooded areas and ensuring that relief reaches even the most isolated communities. In addition to emergency aid, the SADC team will support longer-term recovery and reconstruction efforts aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring essential services.
The floods in Mozambique are part of a series of extreme weather events affecting Southern Africa in recent years, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. SADC officials emphasized that rapid and coordinated regional responses are essential to mitigating the humanitarian impact of such events and to supporting national governments in protecting affected populations.
Through the combined efforts of SADC, local authorities, and humanitarian partners, Mozambique is now mobilizing to address immediate needs, assist displaced communities, and plan for a sustainable recovery. The deployment of the SADC team demonstrates the importance of solidarity and proactive regional action in the face of natural disasters, aiming to provide relief and stability to thousands of people whose lives have been upended by the floods.