Floods in Mozambique: A Growing Crisis

Mozambique is currently experiencing a serious situation due to heavy rains that have caused major floods over the past two weeks. 13 people have died, but this number is expected to rise as the water recedes and more bodies may be discovered.

Devastating Impact

The floods have been catastrophic:

• Rivers and dams have overflowed.
• Over half a million people have been affected.
• Neighboring South Africa has also seen flooding.

In the capital, Maputo, some buildings are completely underwater, and a main highway is blocked, cutting off parts of the city.

Personal Struggles

Justino Zita, a shopkeeper in Maputo, is struggling as his shop is flooded. He is determined not to give up, but he knows the road ahead will be difficult.

Mary Louise Eagleton, working with UNICEF in Mozambique, expects the number of deaths and injuries to rise, particularly among children.

Historical Context

Officials say this is the worst flooding since 2000, when around 700 people died. This time, early warning systems and evacuations may have saved lives.

Paulo Tomas, a spokesperson for the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management, notes that many people left the most affected areas. However, he also points out that the current death toll might be lower because some areas are still hard to reach or underwater.