Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) has made 11 aircraft available to support search, rescue, and humanitarian assistance for populations affected by floods in the southern and central regions of Mozambique. The intervention is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts and responds to a recent government appeal to the private sector, according to an official statement.
According to Tomás Matola, Chairman of HCB’s Board of Directors, in addition to the aerial resources—comprising nine helicopters and two light aircraft—the company allocated its own funds to purchase essential goods for communities currently housed in temporary shelters.
The aid includes 30 mobile sanitation units, 100 tents, 1,500 mattresses, 1,500 blankets, 1,500 mosquito nets, 10,000 kilograms of rice, 15,000 kilograms of flour, 1,000 kilograms of beans, 500 kilograms of coarse salt, 200 kilograms of sugar, and 200 five-liter bottles of cooking oil.
The aircraft have been made available to the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) for an initial period of seven days, aiming to facilitate the movement of rescue teams, transport of donations, and evacuation of people isolated by the floods.
Heavy rains since 10 January have worsened the situation across several provinces, particularly in Gaza and Maputo. According to updated INGD data, the death toll for the current rainy season has risen to 122, with six people still missing.
At least 682,060 citizens, equivalent to 142,914 families, have been directly affected, with more than 16,000 homes partially or completely destroyed.
Rescue operations have taken place under adverse weather conditions, with support from aircraft from South Africa. In Gaza, the government reported that around 1,200 people, including children, the elderly, and the sick, were rescued after being stranded in trees and on rooftops, using helicopters and small boats.
In Inhambane province, authorities announced the suspension of school book distribution as a precaution due to unstable access roads. In Maputo, National Road 1 (N1) and National Road 2 (N2) remain impassable due to rising water levels.
The official handover of goods and logistical support to INGD took place in Songo, attended by the institute’s president, Luísa Meque, and government officials.
During the ceremony, Tomás Matola called for the mobilization of other public, private, and civil society entities to strengthen the national response to the humanitarian emergency, emphasizing that “solidarity with those most affected must be a collective commitment.”
Through this initiative, HCB reaffirms its position as one of the country’s leading companies committed to the well-being of the population and effective response in public emergency situations.
