Rescue Teams Struggle to Reach Isolated Communities in Flooded Central Mozambique

Limited resources from rescue teams are hampering rescue efforts in flooded areas of Maganja da Costa district in central Zambézia province, where torrential rains and rising river levels have left thousands isolated.

The overflow of the Licungo river since early January has affected more than 5,000 people, damaging homes and disrupting livelihoods. Access to several communities remains cut off, complicating rescue operations where they can be conducted, although resources are limited.

Most displaced families are sheltered in three accommodation centers. However, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) expects the number to rise as teams attempt to reach additional areas inaccessible by road.

Rescue efforts are constrained by a shortage of equipment. Only canoes and a single powerboat from the INGD are currently being used to navigate the flooded zones.

World Vision Mozambique is participating in coordinated response efforts led by local authorities, focusing on reaching children and families, including those enrolled in its child sponsorship program that are currently isolated.

“With the support of the disaster risk management committees, we are intensifying our efforts to reach a total of 4500 children in the now isolated areas where we operate,” said Glória Moio, area program manager.

World Vision operates a child sponsorship program in Maganja da Costa district that currently serves about 17,000 girls and boys.