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Specialist firefighters from UK fire and rescue services have been deployed to Mozambique as part of an international response to severe flooding caused by weeks of extreme rainfall.
The deployment involves the UK’s International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team, which is made up of highly trained fire and rescue service personnel from across the UK. The move follows a declaration of a national emergency by the Government of Mozambique and a request for international assistance, with the UK Government supporting the mobilisation of the team alongside an accompanying medical unit.
An initial forward party of seven UK flood rescue specialists was deployed on 20 January to assess conditions on the ground and coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian partners. This was followed on 23 January by the arrival of a further 29 firefighters from UK fire and rescue services, along with four rescue boats, to support rescue and response efforts led by the Mozambican government.
UK fire and rescue teams are due to begin operations immediately in Maputo province and in Xai-Xai, north of the main flood-affected area. Their work will focus on rescuing people trapped by floodwaters and supporting local emergency response capabilities during what authorities describe as extremely challenging conditions.
The flooding has caused widespread devastation across Mozambique. Media reports indicate that the death toll has exceeded 100, with up to 700,000 people affected. Some estimates suggest that more than half of those impacted are children, while many hundreds of people are believed to be trapped by rising waters.
Critical infrastructure has also been severely damaged. Local and international authorities report major impacts on health facilities and transport networks, with nearly 5,000 kilometres of roads damaged across nine provinces, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), said the deployment highlights the vital role played by UK fire and rescue services in responding to major international emergencies.
“The thoughts of the UK fire and rescue service are with all those affected by the devastating flooding in Mozambique and parts of neighbouring South Africa,” he said. “Communities around the world are increasingly facing the impacts of climate change and more frequent and severe extreme weather, placing enormous pressure on local emergency services.
“Following a request for international assistance, specially trained firefighters from across the UK are being deployed to bring vital flood and water rescue skills. Our teams will work alongside local authorities and international partners to support rescue efforts and help protect lives.”
The impact of the extreme weather has also been felt in neighbouring South Africa, where media reports suggest more than 30 people have died. Mozambique has declared a red alert, while South Africa has announced a national disaster.
Authorities have warned that Mozambique is now entering its annual cyclone season, raising concerns that further extreme weather could worsen conditions in the coming weeks.
UK fire and rescue services have previously supported Mozambique during major flooding events. During the devastating floods of 2000, UK ISAR teams, supported by the UK Government, worked alongside Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) specialists to carry out water rescue operations using inflatable boats and lifesaving equipment.
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