Death toll from floods in Mozambique and South Africa continues to climb

In Mozambique and South Africa, authorities are pressing ahead with rescue operations under challenging conditions as the death toll from floods continues to rise.

South Africa has sent a search and rescue team, including a helicopter, to help with Mozambique’s operations.

Since early October, which marks the beginning of the rainy season in Mozambique, more than 110 people have been killed in the country, according to the National Disasters Management institute.

Across the border in South Africa, the death toll has risen to 37, and authorities fear it will continue to climb.

It comes after weeks of heavy rain have lashed the two countries. Rivers across the Mozambique have burst their banks, engulfing entire neighbourhoods and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

The floods have prompted President Daniel Chapo to call off his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Across the border in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa attributed the crisis to climate change, saying it underlined the need for funding for less privileged countries, often least equipped to deal with the impacts of severe weather.