Between 7-10 February, heavy rains reaching up to 100 mm in 24 hours hit the southern region of Mozambique, causing widespread flooding in Maputo city and its province. According to the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD), the rains already affected over 30,000 people (5,721 families), displaced 422, and killed four. Five accommodation centres have been set up to host victims.

Rescue teams have been dispatched to the affected areas, where heavy rains caused the collapse of many homes. 

“We still have many people to rescue”, said ATCM President and FIA Vice President for Sport Rodrigo Rocha, who volunteered to provide help to the affected communities and led efforts on one of the rescue boats.

“Thanks to our partners we obtained 10,000 USD in fuel for all rescue operations”.

Despite the rescue efforts, more flooding is expected in Maputo Province as water from flooded rivers in South Africa and Eswatini makes its way downstream.

“We know there are more districts which could use a hand and we are looking forward to assisting them together with our member organisations”, he said.