Mozambique is facing widespread disruption following persistent heavy rainfall and flooding across several regions, with significant humanitarian, economic and tourism-related consequences. The situation, unfolding during the peak of the 2025/26 rainy season, highlights the country’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events and climate-related risks.
Widespread flooding and humanitarian impact
Prolonged and intense rainfall has led to severe flooding in central and southern Mozambique, particularly along major river systems such as the Limpopo, Incomati and Maputo basins. Low-lying communities have been inundated, resulting in loss of life, displacement of thousands of residents, and damage to homes, schools, health facilities and essential infrastructure.
Emergency services and disaster-management authorities remain on high alert as river levels continue to fluctuate. Flooding has also increased the risk of water-borne diseases, disrupted access to clean drinking water, and placed additional strain on already vulnerable rural communities.
At least 103 people have died and 173,000 have been affected since the start of the rainy season in Mozambique, with a total of 1,160 houses destroyed and over 4,000 partially flooded, the government reported on 16 January 2026.
The Instituto Nacional de Gestão e Redução do Risco de Desastres (INGD), a government institution responsible for coordinating the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) actions in Mozambique, issued a red alert on 16 Januay 2026, valid for the entire country. "Red alert" represents the highest level of national warning in Mozambique. It indicates that:
- Severe and potentially life-threatening conditions are present or imminent
- The risk of major flooding, infrastructure damage, displacement and loss of life is high
- Immediate preparedness and response measures are required from authorities, communities, and emergency services
Infrastructure damage and economic disruption
Floodwaters have damaged roads, bridges and transport corridors, isolating some areas and complicating relief efforts. These disruptions have affected supply chains, agricultural production and local commerce at a critical time of the year.
Large areas of farmland have been submerged, destroying crops and impacting food security. The combined effect of infrastructure damage and agricultural losses is expected to place further pressure on Mozambique's economic recovery and public finances in the months ahead.
Impact on the tourism industry
Mozambique's tourism sector, which had shown signs of steady recovery, is now facing renewed challenges as a result of the flooding:
- Restricted access and temporary closures: Flooded roads and damaged infrastructure have limited access to national parks, coastal destinations and inland lodges. Some conservation areas and tourism activities have been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns.
- Operational disruptions: Tour operators, lodges and hospitality businesses are experiencing logistical difficulties, increased operating costs and short-term revenue losses.
- Cancellations and travel uncertainty: Adverse weather conditions and safety concerns are prompting some travellers to delay or cancel trips, particularly to flood-affected regions.
- Reputational impact: Media coverage of flooding can influence destination perceptions, potentially affecting future bookings even in areas not directly impacted.
Despite strong visitor numbers during the recent festive period, the current situation introduces uncertainty for the remainder of the summer travel season and into early autumn.
Outlook and recovery
Authorities in Mozambique have warned that further heavy rainfall remains possible as the rainy season continues. Emergency preparedness measures are in place, but the scale of the flooding underscores the need for long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, improved drainage systems and early-warning mechanisms.
For the tourism industry in Mozambique, recovery will depend on the restoration of transport links, clear communication with travellers, and coordinated efforts between government, park authorities and private operators. Strengthening climate resilience will be critical to safeguarding the country's tourism assets and supporting sustainable growth in the future.
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