Mozambique faces humanitarian crisis amid conflict and flooding

Mozambique is facing a complex humanitarian crisis driven by recurrent flooding and ongoing armed conflict. In the northern province of Cabo Delgado, insecurity from non-state armed groups has increased the number of displaced persons to 506,214, a 9% rise from the previous year. Approximately 1.1 million people in the north require humanitarian assistance, with the vast majority residing in the most affected districts of Cabo Delgado.

In response to environmental challenges, a partnership between the African Development Bank, Korea, and the Government of Mozambique has introduced drone technology to strengthen disaster management. Through the Drone-Based Disaster Management Project, local authorities have been equipped with drone systems, LiDAR sensors, and simulators. This initiative has already aided search-and-rescue and damage assessment efforts during recent flooding in the Maputo and Gaza provinces, helping to identify stranded communities and mitigate the impact of rising river levels.