Johannesburg: The Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian support to communities devastated by severe flooding in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as rising death tolls and widespread destruction continue to unfold across the region.
In a solidarity statement released on Friday, IMBISA expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis triggered by relentless torrential rains that began in mid-December 2025. The bishops also warmly acknowledged the message of closeness and compassion conveyed by Pope Leo XIV, who has urged the global Catholic community to stand with those suffering from the disaster.
The regional episcopal body affirmed its spiritual closeness to all affected populations and to the local Catholic Churches, especially the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM), the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), and the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC). The bishops noted with gratitude the Pope’s prayers and his call for unity, emphasizing that the universal Church is being mobilized in solidarity with the victims.
In the statement signed by IMBISA President Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda of the Archdiocese of Windhoek, the Bishops made a strong appeal to humanitarian agencies, governments, and people of goodwill to extend immediate assistance to those impacted by what they described as a tragic and overwhelming calamity.
Southern Africa continues to reel under catastrophic flooding caused by weeks of intense rainfall; a phenomenon expert has linked to a convergence of La Niña weather patterns and human-induced climate change. This combination has significantly intensified rainfall levels, overwhelming infrastructure and magnifying the scale of destruction, according to recent reports.
In Mozambique, search and rescue operations remain underway, particularly in remote areas of Gaza and Manhica provinces where damaged roads have left entire communities cut off, requiring boats to reach stranded residents. Official figures indicate that more than 100 people have lost their lives, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Authorities have raised serious public health concerns, warning of potential outbreaks of cholera and other water-borne diseases due to inadequate sanitation in temporary shelters.
Adding to the danger, floodwaters have driven wildlife, including crocodiles, into residential zones, leading to further fatalities and fear in towns such as Xai-Xai and Moamba. The Mozambican government has acknowledged that the disaster has exceeded national response capacities and has formally sought international assistance.
Zimbabwe has also been severely affected, with flash floods and continuous heavy rains claiming dozens of lives, particularly in Masvingo, Manicaland, Midlands, and Mashonaland East provinces. Thousands of houses have been destroyed or badly damaged, while critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has suffered extensive losses. Several districts remain under emergency status as evacuations and rescue efforts continue.
In South Africa, authorities have declared disaster conditions in parts of the country following persistent rainfall, especially in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Rescue teams have evacuated residents and tourists from vulnerable areas, including sections of the Kruger National Park, where damaged roads and bridges disrupted access. While fatalities are reported to be lower than in neighboring countries, rising rivers continue to pose a serious threat.
Regional assessments suggest that approximately 1.3 million people across southern Africa including parts of Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia have been affected by the flooding. Urgent humanitarian needs include shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and access to healthcare, as fears grow over the spread of water-borne diseases amid contaminated water sources and strained health systems.
In their January 30 message, IMBISA representing Bishops from Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe offered words of hope and encouragement rooted in faith. Quoting Scripture, the Bishops affirmed their trust in God’s presence during the crisis, declaring that even amid devastation, faith remains a source of strength and resilience for the region.