Mozambique flood response in numbers from UK ISAR

by Featured NewsFlooding

Mozambique deployment concluded after flood rescue response

Specialist teams from UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) have concluded a flood response deployment to Mozambique after extreme rainfall caused flooding.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said 36 UK ISAR members were deployed to support the national response led by the Mozambican Government.

An initial group of seven specialists arrived on 20 January to assess conditions and coordinate with local authorities.

A further 29 personnel from UK fire and rescue services followed.

Teams deployed with four rescue boats, drones and specialist equipment.

The equipment was used to clear fallen trees and debris, assess affected areas from the air and carry out search and rescue operations.

During the deployment, teams carried out rescues from floodwaters and structures, including from a bridge and from a rooftop.

Teams checked and cleared residential buildings, schools and other public buildings to identify and assist people in need of rescue.

Men, women and children were rescued, including people who had been stranded in floodwater for several days.

Teams also delivered water and hundreds of kilograms of food to small, isolated communities that had been cut off by floodwaters and without access to food for up to a week.

Scale of flooding and UK ISAR activity reported

Weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding caused damage to homes and infrastructure, with estimates that up to seven hundred thousand people have been affected.

Some reports estimate that over half of those affected are children, with many hundreds of people trapped by rising floodwaters.

Local and international authorities reported major damage to health facilities and roads, with nearly 5,000 kilometres of roads damaged across nine provinces.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “On behalf of the UK fire and rescue service, our thoughts are firmly with the people of Mozambique as they face the devastating impact of these floods.

“In response to the request for international assistance, specially trained UK ISAR firefighters have been on the ground, bringing vital flood and water rescue expertise to support local responders.

“I want to pay tribute to our teams for their professionalism and commitment, and to the Mozambican authorities and partners who are working tirelessly to protect lives.”

Lee Ivory, UK ISAR Deputy National Coordinator, said: “The team has worked tirelessly throughout the operation to rescue and support as many people as possible.

“Their efforts were closely coordinated with the UK High Commission in Maputo and Mozambican government agencies.

“To date, they have carried out more than 80 life saving boat rescues, conducted extensive damage and needs assessments using drone technology, and delivered significant quantities of humanitarian aid.

“They have also played a role in coordinating wider humanitarian services on the ground.

“None of this would have been possible without the exceptional commitment and professionalism of volunteers from UK fire and rescue services and the medical team who joined them.

“Their dedication has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

The NFCC said the deployment was drawn from 14 UK fire and rescue services, alongside members of the UMT medical team.

Mozambique floods trigger UK rescue deployment consequences

by Featured NewsFlooding

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.