Floods during the 2025–26 rainy season leave 223 dead and 860 000 affected across Mozambique

Flooding associated with Mozambique’s 2025–26 rainy season has produced cumulative nationwide impacts since October 2025, with official figures from the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) confirming 223 fatalities and 860 346 people affected as of mid-February 2026.

The rainy season, which typically extends from October through April in southern Africa, intensified in late December as persistent heavy rainfall affected southern and central river basins.

Elevated flows in the Limpopo, Incomáti, Buzi, and Zambezi rivers resulted in widespread riverine flooding across Gaza, Maputo, Inhambane, Sofala, and Zambézia provinces. Authorities report that cross-border inflows and upstream basin contributions amplified downstream inundation.

INGD reports that more than 392 000 people have been displaced during the season. A total of 113 478 people were accommodated in 149 temporary centers at peak occupancy, with tens of thousands remaining in organized shelter sites as of February 2026. Twelve people remain missing, and 314 have been reported injured in weather-related incidents.

Housing damage assessments indicate 5 747 homes completely destroyed, 14 361 partially destroyed, and 183 812 homes flooded. In addition to residential losses, public infrastructure has sustained extensive damage. Authorities report impacts to 6 799 km (4 225 miles) of roads, 36 bridges and 123 water infrastructure components. The Ministry of Health confirmed that 272 health facilities have been affected, while 676 schools sustained damage or disruption.

Agricultural losses have been substantial during what is a critical growing period. INGD data indicate 554 805 ha (1.37 million acres) of farmland inundated, with 287 825 ha (711 200 acres) classified as lost crops. Livestock losses total 530 998 animals across affected districts. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported localized losses exceeding 10 percent of cattle stocks in parts of Gaza Province.

The cumulative infrastructure damage has prompted government estimates placing reconstruction needs at approximately USD 644 million, reflecting transport, health, education, and water system impacts. Damage assessments remain ongoing in remote districts where road access has been periodically interrupted by floodwaters.

Humanitarian coordination is being led by the Government of Mozambique through INGD with support from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other partners. Emergency operations focus on shelter, water and sanitation, food assistance, and health services in displacement centers and affected communities.

UNICEF has reported increased vulnerability to water-borne disease and malnutrition among children in flood-affected districts, particularly where water systems and sanitation infrastructure have been damaged. Overcrowding in accommodation centers has also required expanded protection monitoring and WASH support.

Seasonal forecasts cited by humanitarian agencies indicate the likelihood of continued above-average rainfall through March and early April 2026, maintaining elevated river levels in southern and central basins. February represents a climatologically active period for heavy rainfall in Mozambique’s wet season, and additional precipitation may prolong displacement and recovery timelines.

References:

¹ Dados cumulativos dos impactos de todos os eventos & Dados das Cheias e Inundações até- INGD – February 13, 2026

² Mozambique: Rainy season claims 223 lives, affects 860,000 people since October – Club of Mozambique – February 17, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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