USAID is providing humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected communities in Mozambique.

Marco Longari/AFP

Key Developments

Recent flash flooding in areas of central Mozambique hosting people displaced by Tropical Cyclone Idai in March 2019, combined with poor rainfall in the southern half of the country and persistent conflict, continue to cause food security across Mozambique. Approximately 4 million people across the country are experiencing food insecurity; of these, 2.5 million people have become food insecure since the onset of the country’s COVID-19 outbreak in March. 

Additionally, the International Organization for Migration estimates that nine of the least accessible districts in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province are currently hosting approximately 135,000 internally displaced persons, the vast majority of whom are experiencing Crisis levels of acute food insecurity. During the five-month COVID-19 state of emergency, the number of estimated jobs lost surpassed 450,000, while school-feeding programs for more than 235,000 children were suspended.

2019 Cyclones

Tropical Cyclone Idai made landfall over Mozambique’s city of Beira on March 15, 2019, producing torrential rains and strong winds and severely affecting populations in Manica, Sofala, Tete, and Zambézia provinces. The cyclone and floods resulted in more than 600 deaths, according to the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GRM). U.S. Ambassador Hearne declared a disaster due to flooding on March 15 and a second disaster on March 19 due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.

On April 25, 2019 Tropical Cyclone Kenneth made landfall over Mozambique’s Quissanga District, Cabo Delgado Province, with winds estimated at 140 miles per hour. The cyclone caused at least 45 deaths and approximately 94 injuries, according to the GRM. On April 26, U.S. Ambassador Hearne declared a disaster due to the effects of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth in Mozambique. USG assistance in Mozambique supports partner organizations to implement critical agriculture and food security, health, nutrition, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities.

Additionally, USAID responded to the effects of Cyclone Idai in Malawi and Zimbabwe, as well as Cyclone Kenneth in Comoros. Please visit our webpage for additional information.   

USAID is also responding to disasters in neighboring Southern Africa countries.  

Background

Mozambique experiences recurrent droughts, floods, and tropical storms. USAID responds to the humanitarian needs of populations affected by disasters, while continuing to support disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs that build the capacity of communities to respond to future shocks. Examples of USAID DRR activities include promoting conservation agricultural practices and establishing disaster management committees.