Residents of Mozambique’s southern regions are facing a terrifying new threat as devastating floods have driven crocodiles into populated areas, resulting in at least three fatalities. The extreme weather events have claimed over 100 lives across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, while also destroying thousands of homes and critical infrastructure.
Authorities in Xai-Xai, the capital of Gaza province, one of the hardest-hit regions, have issued urgent warnings to residents about the increased danger posed by crocodiles. Paola Emerson, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Mozambique, explained that the rising river levels have allowed the crocodiles to reach heavily populated areas that are now submerged under water.
Two people were killed and three others injured in a recent crocodile attack in the Gaza region. Additionally, a man was “swallowed” by a crocodile in Moamba, a small town in Maputo province, according to local officials.
Beyond the immediate threat of wildlife, the floods have triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis. Weeks of heavy rainfall, exacerbated by dam releases to prevent structural failure, have affected more than 700,000 people, over half of them children. The destruction has left a trail of devastation across vast farmland, raising concerns about food security and the risk of waterborne diseases.
The World Health Organization has warned of severe disruptions to health services in Gaza and Maputo provinces, with at least 44 health facilities destroyed, leaving tens of thousands without access to care. Damage to critical infrastructure has interrupted service delivery, while more than 50,000 displaced people in temporary shelters face limited or non-existent basic health services.
Humanitarian agencies across the three affected countries have sounded the alarm about the rising risks of hunger and disease, as extreme weather events have wiped out crops that millions of small-scale farmers rely on for sustenance. The threat of cholera and other waterborne illnesses also looms large.
As the region grapples with the devastating consequences of these floods, authorities and aid organisations are working to restore essential services, deploy mobile health teams, and ensure continuity of care for those with chronic conditions. The crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events in the future.
