WeeklySA_AdminSTRANDED: The natural disaster claimed nearly 150 lives and displaced about 180 000 in Mozambique and sa…
By Monk Nkomo
Pope Leo X1V has expressed his spiritual solidarity with the victims of floods in Mozambique where torrential rains wreaked havoc in several areas resulting in 103 deaths and about 173 000 people affected since early this year.
After praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square early this year, Pope Leo also expressed his spiritual closeness with hundreds of thousands of people affected by floods in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The devastating rainstorms started in late December 2025 in Mozambique and continued into the new year amid reports that crocodiles displaced into towns – due to rising waters – were linked to at least three deaths in the Gaza province.
The Mozambique government has since announced a delay to the start of the 2026 school year by one month due to the flood damage in schools and facilities.
In his address to the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims during his weekly General Audience at the Vatican last week, Pope Leo acknowledged with appreciation the groups that were supporting the displaced from the floods that had also affected the people of God in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Dear sisters and brothers, my thoughts go out above all to the beloved people of Mozambique, struck by devastating floods. As I pray for the victims, I express my closeness to the displaced and to all those who offer them support. May the Lord help you and bless you!” the Pope said.
Following the heavy rains that started in December last year, reports indicated that the flooding caused rivers to overflow in southern and central Mozambique, greatly affecting the populace.
On January 15, 2026, Mozambique reportedly issued rain and flood warnings for critical rainfall in central and southern regions, including Gaza and Maputo provinces.
By January 16, the government declared a national red alert for heavy rains and floods. Authorities reported at least 103 deaths and around 173,000 affected in the early part of the crisis. On January 18, national airline LAM, operated a special relief flight to Gaza province to support humanitarian response after road closures due to flooding.
The devastating effects of the rains and floods compelled the country’s President, Daniel Chapo, to cancel his planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, citing the severe flooding and the urgent need to prioritize life-saving measures at home.
A UNICEF situation report issued on 21 January 2026 documented thousands of displaced families, damaged schools and health facilities, and hundreds of thousands of people affected (figures covering late December 2025 to mid-January 2026).
Reuters report updated on January 26 reported 13 confirmed flood deaths but cautioned the toll was still expected to rise due to the increasing rains.
On infrastructural impact, major highways in the country were said to have been cut or heavily damaged, leading to extensive disruption to travel and supply routes.
Local reports as of January 29 indicated that 14 people had died as a result of the recent floods, with 691,522 people affected as of January 27. Cumulatively, the reports said that more than 812,000 people had been affected since October 2025, as rescue and response operations continued in Gaza and Maputo provinces.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, where the floods had claimed nearly 40 lives and destroyed scores of houses in several provinces, the government has declared a National State of Disaster to enable intensive responses to the widespread floods that caused extensive damage. These areas included those in the Vhembe District where 19 people were killed and several were still missing. Other areas included certain parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Ba-Phalaborwa. Limpopo and Mpumalanga, including Kruger Park, experienced the most devastating floods in their history.
At least 30 people were killed and 500 homes destroyed , roads damaged and bridges washed away by floods in Mpumalanga.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa visited most of the affected areas and promised to help the affected residents in rebuilding their houses.
The South African Weather Service said the recent weather that the country experienced had been brought on by the La Nina global weather phenomenon which occurred in the Pacific Ocean. With the continued strengthening of the La Nina event, South Africa can expect above -normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures over the summer rainfall period. – Additional reporting by ACI Africa
