Mozambique deployment and operational areas
The UK International Search and Rescue team has been deployed to Mozambique to support flood rescue operations after extreme rainfall and flooding.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said the deployment follows Mozambique’s declaration of a national emergency and a request for international assistance.
An initial forward party of seven flood rescue specialists deployed on Tuesday 20 January to assess conditions and coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian partners.
A further 29 personnel from UK fire and rescue services arrived on Friday 23 January, accompanied by a medical team and four boats.
Teams are due to commence operations in Maputo province and in Xai-Xai, north of the flood area, including efforts to rescue people trapped by floodwater.
Flood impacts and wider regional situation
Weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding have caused widespread damage to infrastructure, with multiple media reports suggesting the death toll has exceeded 100.
Up to 700,000 people are estimated to have been affected, with some reports estimating that over half of those affected are children, and with many hundreds of people trapped by rising floodwaters.
Local and international authorities have reported major damage to health facilities and roads, with nearly 5,000 kilometres of roads damaged across nine provinces.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The thoughts of the UK fire and rescue service are with all those affected by the devastating flooding in Mozambique and parts of neighbouring South Africa.
“Around the world, communities are increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change and more frequent and severe extreme weather events, which place enormous pressure on local response and rescue capabilities.
“Following a request for international assistance, specially trained firefighters from across the UK are being deployed to support the response on the ground, bringing vital specialist flood and water rescue skills.
“Our teams will work closely with local authorities and international partners to support rescue efforts and help protect lives during these extremely challenging conditions.”
The NFCC said media reports in South Africa have indicated more than 30 deaths in recent flooding, and that Mozambique has declared a red alert while South Africa has announced a national disaster.
Authorities have warned Mozambique is entering its annual cyclone season, with conditions expected to remain challenging in the coming weeks.
The NFCC said the UK previously supported Mozambique during the floods of 2000, when ISAR capabilities were deployed with UK Government support alongside Royal National Lifeboat Institution specialists using inflatable boats and lifesaving equipment.