Government needs over 100 million dollars to assist flood victims

Maputo, 21 Jan (AIM) – The Mozambican government has announced that it needs 6.6 billion meticais (103.1 million US dollars at the current exchange rate) to assist about 100,000 households affected by the floods that have engulfed much of southern and central Mozambique.

According to Inocêncio Impissa, government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, who was speaking to reporters on Tuesday after a meeting of the Council of Ministers (cabinet), the amount would be used to strengthen social assistance and acquire health products and food for those sheltered in the accommodation centres set up for people displaced by the floods.

According to the country’s relief agency, the National Disasters Management Institute (INGD), the known death toll from the storms and floods in Mozambique’s current rainy season now stands at 112. The extreme event also destroyed 728 houses, and damaged 2,700. 62,000 homes were flooded, while 43 health units and 88 classrooms were affected.

The authorities have activated 68 accommodation centres, which are currently sheltering 91,310 people.

According to Impissa, the 6.6 billion is only part of the 14 billion meticais considered necessary to ensure humanitarian assistance, and support for displaced persons, while ensuring the provisions of health services and food in the accommodation centres.
“This figure represents a downward revision from the previously estimated deficit of around eight billion meticais, following adjustments made on the basis of resources already mobilized and support from partners”, he said.

Despite financial constraints, the spokesperson explained, “the government has allocated resources to deal with the situation, relying on national resources and support from international partners and neighboring countries.”

“Among the resources available are nine helicopters, boats and other vessels, used in search and rescue operations and to assist populations affected by the floods”, he said.

As for the start of the 2026 school year, which is scheduled for 30 January, Impissa said that the government will have to adopt special measures in the southern provinces of Maputo and Gaza, depending on the impact of the floods on schools.
(AIM)
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