Mozambique Floods

Weeks of intense rainfall and widespread flooding have upended lives and livelihoods across southern and central Mozambique. What began as heavy seasonal rains has evolved into a humanitarian emergency affecting nearly 600 000 people – a figure projected to rise to 800 000 as the situation continues to unfold. 

The floods have displaced approximately 392 000 people, forcing families from homes that have been submerged, severely damaged or completely destroyed. Gaza Province alone accounts for around 75 percent of those affected, with Maputo and Sofala provinces also heavily impacted. 

Yet beyond the immediate destruction of shelter and infrastructure, it is the collapse of rural livelihoods that now threatens to deepen the crisis in the months ahead. 

Households Without Land and Harvests 

The floods struck during the peak of the main agricultural season (November–April), when most rainfed crops had already been planted and were approaching critical growth stages. With harvests expected between March and April, families were counting on their fields not only for food, but also for income. 

Instead, nearly 275 405 hectares of cropland have been destroyed, affecting 314 783 farmers. For many households, entire fields have been washed away or buried under sand and debris. Others remain waterlogged and inaccessible. 

For these rural families, the loss is not simply a failed harvest. It is the loss of seeds, tools, labour invested over months and, critically, access to land for the coming months. Without immediate support to replant or restore productive available land, thousands of households face prolonged food consumption gaps and a heavy reliance on external assistance. 

Massive Losses of Livestock 

Livestock losses have been equally devastating. More than 412 446 head of livestock have been lost, representing a catastrophic blow to household assets. 

In rural Mozambique, livestock are a source of meat or milk, but also savings, insurance, draught power and a means to pay for school fees or health expenses. The sudden death of livestock strips families of both immediate nutrition and long-term resilience. Surviving animals are also at heightened risk of disease due to standing water and deteriorated sanitary conditions, further compounding the threat to livelihoods. 

Fishing Communities Left Without Gear 

The floods have also severely impacted small-scale fishing communities and aquaculture producers. At least 228 boats and 482 fish tanks have been washed away. For fishing families, the loss of boats, nets or aquaculture infrastructure means an abrupt halt to income generation and food supply. 

With damaged roads – nearly 5 000 km affected across nine province – market access is further constrained. Even where fish stocks remain available, the absence of essential gear makes it impossible for families to resume production. 

Preventing a Secondary Food Crisis 

The cumulative effect of lost crops, dead livestock and destroyed fishing equipment places hundreds of thousands of people at risk of acute food insecurity. Without urgent intervention, the current emergency could evolve into a secondary crisis characterized by deepening poverty, negative coping mechanisms and long-term dependency. 

FAO is appealing for USD 27.9 million to assist 619 627 people between January and June 2026. The response focuses on enabling families to restart food production, protect remaining livestock and restore fisheries-based livelihoods. 

Planned actions include the provision of seeds and tools for immediate replanting, fast-growing vegetable production to bridge short-term food gaps, emergency animal health campaigns to safeguard surviving livestock and support to small-scale fisheries through the replacement of essential gear and inputs. 

A Race Against Time 

The urgency cannot be overstated. The destruction has occurred in the midst of the main agricultural season, and the rainy and cyclonic season continues until April. With further rainfall and potential cyclones still possible, already vulnerable households remain exposed to additional shocks. 

For families who have lost their land, livestock and fishing equipment, the coming months will be decisive. If the March–April 2026 fresh planting season is missed, affected populations will face sustained food insecurity until the next main harvest - more than one year away - regardless of potential access to production inputs. Rapid support is essential not only to restore production and livelihoods but to protect dignity, prevent deepening hunger and rebuild resilience before the next shock strikes.