Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Mozambique Floods Kill 13, Toll Expected to Rise
Mozambique has had really bad floods that have killed at least 13 people, but the number is expected to go up as the water goes down.
The floods have affected more than half a million people and have made some areas, like the capital Maputo, very hard to reach.
Many people had to leave their homes, and some shops and buildings are underwater.
The floods are the worst since 2000, but fewer people might have died this time because of early warnings and evacuations.
However, many children are expected to be among the victims.
The rains have stopped in some places, but the damage is still very bad.
Mozambique reports 13 deaths from severe floods, with the toll expected to rise as waters recede.
More than half a million people affected, with towns submerged and Maputo cut off due to flooding.
Floods described as the worst since 2000, when around 700 people were killed.
Early-warning systems and evacuations may have reduced the death toll, but access to some areas remains limited.
UNICEF expects a high proportion of child casualties among the dead and wounded.
- Who
- Mozambique authorities, UNICEF, affected residents
- What
- Severe flooding causing deaths and displacement
- When
- Over the past two weeks, with reports on January 22
- Where
- Mozambique, particularly Maputo, and parts of neighboring South Africa
- Why
- Heavy rains leading to overflowing rivers and dams
- Death Toll
- 13 and rising
- Affected People
- More than 500,000
- Worst Flooding Since
- 2000
- Areas Affected
- Maputo and surrounding regions
- Cause
- Heavy rains and overflowing rivers/dams
- Evacuation Compliance
- Many complied with evacuations
- Impact on Children
- Expected high proportion of child casualties