Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s relief agency, the National Disaster Risk Management Institute (INGD), has announced that the number of people affected by floods, in the current rainy season, has risen to 724,000. “We currently have 724,000 people affected. In terms of families, we have a total of 170,000 households affected and, to date, we have recorded 23 deaths”, said INGD chairperson, Luísa Meque, during a working visit to affected areas in the southern province of Gaza.
According to Meque, the current rainy season will be remembered by thousands of families, especially in the central and southern regions of Mozambique, for the worst reasons. However, with the gradual fall in the water levels in some previously flooded neighborhoods, the INGD has begun to close temporary accommodation centres.
“Of the 119 accommodation centres that were open, we now have 75 centres that are active. These 75 centres house approximately 76,000 people. These are high and safe areas, and we have observed that some families have already begun to move into these locations, expressing a desire to leave the flood-affected areas permanently”, she said.
Meque said that the victims also expressed their concern at the loss of their agricultural crops, “a situation that has led to requests for seeds to relaunch production”
“There is great concern about taking advantage of the existing soil moisture. The communities requested seeds so they can resume production as the waters recede. For us, it was encouraging to hear this concern, and we are working to ensure the arrival of seeds in Chigubo district,” she stated.
“We have also called for continued solidarity from partners and society to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations”, she added.
According to the INGD, from October 1, 2025 to February 5, 2026, just over 7,000 km of roads were affected by floods, becoming impassable or with restricted traffic.
“These roads, however, have already been repaired and reopened to traffic, albeit with restrictions. In addition to the road network, 28 bridges and 128 aqueducts were also affected”, said Meque.
In terms of housing, the INGD counted a cumulative total of 181,600 flooded homes, of which 12,200 were damaged and 5,600 were totally destroyed. 242 health units and 46 places of worship were also affected.
Regarding education, in the last three months, 578 schools, 1,600 classrooms, 13,600 teachers, and just over 322,000 students were affected.
