Weeks of torrential rain have caused devastating flooding and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, in Mozambique.

It is estimated that up to 4,800 sq kilometres of land in Gaza and Maputo provinces in the south, and Sofala province in central Mozambique are under water following the worst flooding in a generation, with 400,000 people forced from their homes, and more than 625,000 people affected.

While flooding has claimed the lives of 100 people in southern Africa over the past month, there are fears in Mozambique that contamination to water sources could lead to outbreaks of diseases, including cholera.

Communities that we work with in south and central Mozambique are reporting significant losses of food crops, as farmland has been submerged. Seasonal rice, due for harvest in February have been particularly badly affected, while mixed vegetable and maize crops have also been lost.

“The full extent of the damage will only be clear when floodwaters recede,” said Helena Skember, Country Director of Self Help Africa in Mozambique. “We are in regular communication with our local and international partners on the ground and are ready to assess needs and coordinate an appropriate response as soon as access allows.”

More information on our work in Mozambique can be found here.