This is a rapid onset humanitarian crisis caused by severe flooding following intense and sustained rainfall in the Limpopo river basin during January 2026, leading to river overflow, dam discharge, and sudden inundation of settlements, farmland, and infrastructure. The floods have resulted in:
- Mass displacement of population
- Destruction of shelters and household assets
- Loss of crops and livestock
- Contamination of water sources
- Disruption of access to markets, health services, and humanitarian assistance
The crisis is occurring in a context of chronic vulnerability, recurrent climate shocks, and high dependence on subsistence agriculture, significantly increasing risks for women, children, elderly persons, people with disabilities, and female-headed households.
The crisis is affecting Gaza Province, Southern Mozambique, with the most severely impacted districts being Chókwè, Guijá, Massingir, Chibuto, Xai-Xai, Bilene, Massangena, Chigubo, Mapai and Mabalane.
As of 23 January 2026, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (COE) reports the establishment of 42 temporary accommodation centres hosting approximately 79,147 displaced people across the province, with the highest concentration in Chókwè (3 centres), Guijá (7), Chibuto (7), Bilene (6), Massingir (4) and Xai-Xai (3).
Flooding has also caused widespread disruption to primary, secondary and rural road networks, leaving multiple districts and communities partially or fully inaccessible.