OCHA Flash Update No.6 – Heavy rains and floods in central and southern Mozambique As of 06 February 2026

Highlights

• An estimated 723,000 people have been affected by flooding across southern and central Mozambique, particularly in Gaza, Maputo, and Sofala provinces, following heavy and persistent rainfall since midDecember. The majority of the affected people are in Gaza Province.

• National response coordination structures remain at INGD compound in Chongoene, Gaza province, and the situation room at the State House for high-level briefings.

• Approximately 77,000 people are hosted in 77 accommodation centres. The remainder of the affected population is living outside these centres, either within host communities or in spontaneous sites.

• To date, a total of 90,000 people have been reached with assistance, the majority in Gaza Province.

Situation overview and humanitarian impact

As of 05 February 2026, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that 723,000 people have been affected. Most affected people remain outside temporary accommodation centers, while 77 centers are currently hosting around 77,000 people.

There is extensive infrastructure damage reported, with over 171,000 houses flooded or destroyed, 229 health facilities damaged, 355 schools affected. Damage to health facilities and water systems has significantly increased the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, including cholera and malaria. At the same time, the loss of 717,000 hectares of farmland, just as communities were preparing to harvest, will have significant medium- and long-term consequences, for the food security of communities affected. Delays in supporting livelihoods and food production will prolong dependence on food assistance and extend the need for humanitarian interventions.

To date, humanitarian partners have reached approximately 90,000 people with assistance, with the majority of support delivered in Gaza Province focusing on urgent, food, health, shelter and WASH needs. In Sofala Province, an estimated 23,000 people have been assisted, while in Maputo Province partners have reached around 6,000 people. Live updates on the response can be found on the Floods response dashboard compiled by OCHA based on information from clusters and their partners.