Listen to the article
Deadly Crocodile Attacks Add to Mozambique’s Flood Crisis
Residents of flood-ravaged southern Mozambique are facing an additional deadly threat as crocodiles, displaced by rising waters, move into submerged towns and residential areas. Local authorities confirm that three of the 13 reported flood-related deaths in Mozambique were caused by crocodile attacks.
In Xai-Xai, the capital of Gaza province and among the worst-affected regions, officials have issued urgent warnings about increased crocodile danger as evacuation efforts continue. The reptiles are appearing in previously inhabited areas now underwater, creating a dangerous situation for those who haven’t yet reached higher ground.
“The river levels are rising and are reaching urban areas or heavily populated areas,” explained Paola Emerson, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Mozambique, after visiting Xai-Xai. “The crocodiles that are in the Limpopo river are able to get into populated areas that are now submerged under water, and that is the concern.”
Two people were killed and three injured in one attack in Gaza province earlier this month. In Maputo province, local media reported that a man was “swallowed” by a crocodile in the small town of Moamba, according to provincial secretary Henriques Bongece.
Officials in Maputo believe the crocodiles were driven into populated areas by floodwaters originating from a neighboring wildlife park in South Africa. The Limpopo River, which flows from South Africa through Mozambique before reaching the Indian Ocean, has overflowed its banks, creating new pathways for these dangerous predators.
“We want to urge everyone not to approach still waters because crocodiles are drifting in these waters. The rivers have connected with all areas where there is water,” Bongece warned residents.
The flooding crisis extends beyond Mozambique. Torrential rains across southern Africa over the past month have claimed more than 100 lives in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe combined. The disaster has destroyed thousands of homes and severely damaged critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.
The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. According to international organizations including the World Food Program and UNICEF, more than 700,000 people have been affected by the floods, with children representing over half of those impacted. Weeks of heavy rainfall, compounded by strategic dam releases to prevent structural failures, have left vast swaths of farmland underwater.
On Friday, the World Health Organization warned of severe disruptions to health services in Gaza and Maputo provinces following the destruction of at least 44 health facilities. Tens of thousands of residents now lack access to basic medical care. The situation is particularly dire for the more than 50,000 people relocated to temporary shelters, where health services are limited or nonexistent.
“Displaced people on long-term medication face life-threatening interruptions,” the WHO stated, emphasizing the urgent need to restore essential services, deploy mobile health teams, and ensure continuity of care for those with chronic conditions.
Across the three affected countries, humanitarian agencies report rising risks of hunger and disease. Extreme weather has destroyed crops that millions of small-scale farmers depend on for subsistence, while flooding creates ideal conditions for waterborne diseases like cholera to spread.
The current crisis highlights Mozambique’s particular vulnerability to climate-related disasters. The country has faced recurring cycles of floods and droughts in recent years, with limited resources to build resilience against these increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
As rescue and relief operations continue, local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant not only about rising waters but also the dangerous predators now moving through communities where they’ve never been seen before.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
9 Comments
It’s alarming to hear about the crocodile threat adding to the flood crisis in Mozambique. Residents are already dealing with so much loss and upheaval – having to worry about deadly attacks from displaced wildlife is the last thing they need. I hope authorities are able to quickly secure affected areas and assist people to reach safety.
It’s alarming to hear about the crocodile attacks adding to the devastation from the floods in Mozambique. Floods can be so destructive, but the presence of dangerous wildlife like crocodiles makes the situation even more perilous for vulnerable communities. I hope aid and rescue efforts can prioritize protecting people from these threats.
Absolutely, the crocodile threat is adding an extra layer of danger that flood victims shouldn’t have to worry about on top of everything else. Authorities will need to coordinate rescue and evacuation efforts with wildlife management to keep people safe.
The crocodile attacks are a frightening and unexpected consequence of the floods in Mozambique. Residents already dealing with the destruction and displacement caused by the floods now have to worry about these deadly predators as well. My heart goes out to the communities facing such compounded challenges.
Absolutely, the combination of devastating floods and dangerous wildlife like crocodiles is an unimaginably difficult situation for those affected. Comprehensive rescue and relief efforts will be critical to save lives and protect vulnerable residents.
This is a very concerning situation for the flood-affected communities in Mozambique. Crocodiles posing a threat alongside the other flood dangers adds to the challenges facing residents. I hope authorities can quickly assist people to reach safer ground and secure their safety.
Yes, the displacement of crocodiles into populated areas is extremely dangerous. Residents will need to be very cautious and follow official warnings to avoid further tragic attacks.
The images of crocodiles moving into flooded towns in Mozambique are quite frightening. It’s tragic that some have already lost their lives to these dangerous animals after already facing the devastation of the floods. The challenges facing these communities must be immense – I hope they receive the urgent support and resources they need.
This is a really disturbing development in the flood crisis in Mozambique. Crocodiles posing a threat to displaced residents is an incredibly dangerous situation. I hope authorities are able to quickly secure affected areas and assist people to evacuate safely before more lives are lost.