UN Raises Alarm Over Crowding in Mozambique’s Flood Shelters. Maputo, Mozambique — 2026-01-30 Lead Paragraph The United Nations has sounded the alarm over severe overcrowding in temporary shelters in Mozambique, which are housing an estimated 100,000 people displaced by recent flooding.
The southern African nation has been addressing the devastating effects of heavy rains since October 1, with nearly 140 lives lost and nearly 400,000 individuals forced to abandon their homes.
Body.
The UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, has reported that these temporary accommodation centers, which include schools and public buildings, are facing critical overcrowding. “
An estimated 100,000 people are now sheltering in around 100 temporary accommodation centers, including schools and public buildings.
Overcrowding in these centers is severe, “the UNHCR stated.
The agency added that conditions at many sites, particularly in remote areas, are dire, lacking adequate privacy, lighting, and basic services, which poses risks to the most vulnerable populations. Women and girls are facing an increased risk of violence, sexual exploitation, and abuse, according to the UNHCR. Many of the displaced are distressed and in need of support, while the elderly and those with disabilities are struggling to access help in sites that are not designed to cater to their specific needs.
In addition to those in temporary shelters, many more are stranded in the worst — affected areas due to impassable roads and washed-out bridges.
The UNHCR warned that with continued rainfall forecast and flood risks remaining high, further displacement is a possibility, emphasizing the urgency of international support.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has also appealed for aid, reporting that it urgently requires $32 million for the next three months’operations.
Ross Smith, WFP’s emergency preparedness and response chief, highlighted the organization’s stretched resources, noting that they are at 40 percent less funding than a year ago, which is severely impacting their ability to respond effectively to crises like the one in Mozambique. Ending.
The situation in Mozambique remains critical, with the UN and other aid organizations calling for increased international support to scale up life — saving assistance and protection services.
Further details and updates are expected as the crisis continues to unfold.
