Second Wave of Heavy Flooding Claims 18 Lives in Mozambique as Displaced Population Surpasses One Million Since October

Mozambique flooding enters a deadly second wave with 18 dead. Over 1 million people affected since the 2025-2026 rainy season began in October.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:25 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Anadolu Agency

Secondary Flood Wave Overwhelms Southern and Central Provinces

Mozambique is currently grappling with a severe hydrological emergency as a second wave of heavy rains inundates already saturated landscapes. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) confirmed on Monday that 18 people lost their lives in this recent spike, primarily in the southern and central regions. Emergency response teams are struggling to navigate damaged infrastructure as they move to provide aid to isolated communities. Authorities noted that many of the drowning incidents occurred in rural zones where river levels rose with unexpected velocity, trapping residents before evacuations could be finalized.

Mass Displacement and Emergency Shelter Activation

The humanitarian impact of the current flooding has necessitated the activation of 31 accommodation centers across the nation. These facilities are currently providing a lifeline to approximately 10,000 displaced individuals. The southern province of Inhambane has emerged as a focal point of the crisis, hosting roughly 40% of the currently sheltered population across four specialized centers. Beyond the formal centers, thousands more are believed to be seeking refuge with relatives or in informal settlements, complicating official efforts to track and assist the full scope of the displaced population.

Cumulative Toll of the 2025–2026 Rainy Season

The latest fatalities have pushed the cumulative death toll for the 2025–2026 rainy and cyclonic season to 296 individuals, according to updated INGD databases. Since the season commenced in October, the scale of the disaster has reached a staggering milestone, with over 1.01 million people—roughly 232,000 families—officially recorded as affected. This data highlights a season of unprecedented intensity, characterized by a combination of strong winds, localized flooding, and the residual impacts of Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which struck earlier in February.