Ask Onix
South African councillor missing after floodwaters hit Mozambique
Rescue teams from South Africa have been dispatched to Mozambique after a local councillor and four others were swept away by floodwaters while traveling in Gaza province, officials confirmed on Monday.
What happened
Andile Mngwevu, a councillor in Ekurhuleni municipality east of Johannesburg, was part of a group caught in rising waters. Only one passenger has been located so far, while the status of the remaining four-including Mngwevu-remains unknown, according to a statement from the municipality.
Regional impact of flooding
Severe flooding has ravaged parts of both South Africa and Mozambique, claiming over 100 lives in Mozambique alone. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that 400,000 people have been affected, with infrastructure heavily damaged.
In South Africa, more than 30 deaths have been recorded in two provinces since November, prompting the government to declare a national disaster.
Government response
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo canceled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to address the crisis, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the deployment of two helicopters to assist Mozambique. The support will continue "for a number of days until their situation subsides," Ramaphosa said.
Mozambique has issued a red alert as the country enters its annual cyclone season, with further heavy rain forecast across central and northern regions.
Ongoing risks
The rainy season has begun in earnest, raising concerns about additional flooding and landslides. Authorities in both countries are urging residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant.
