After weeks of heavy rain across southern Africa, the Limpopo River reached dangerous levels in Mozambique’s Gaza province. All 14 floodgates of the Massingir Dam were opened, releasing up to 17,000 cubic metres of water a second, and the town of Chókwè was submerged.
By 20 January, around 40% of Gaza province was under water and more than 300,000 people had been displaced there. The government declared a national red alert.
children are at extreme risk, and urgent support is needed now
Ilaria Manunza, Country Director, Save the Children Mozambique
Homes that melt in the rain
The UN said 90% of people in the area lived in adobe-style houses that “basically melt” after a few days of rain. Health centres were flooded too: in Gaza province, nearly 100 were affected and 20 were completely under water.
Floodwater and damaged clinics are a dangerous mix. In the months that followed, Mozambique battled rising cholera and malaria.
What clean water changes after a flood
- Health: safe water in shelters stops cholera spreading.
- Care: clinics that stay dry can keep treating people.
- Homes: stronger houses built above the flood line.
How you can help
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Source: Africanews / AP, “Thousands affected by severe flooding in Mozambique, UN says”, 20 January 2026; Bernama / dpa, 21 January 2026; Nature, on health facilities; quote from Save the Children via ReliefWeb, 19 January 2026.
