The Bishop of Maciene, the Rt Revd Agostinho Roberto Buque, shares a Lenten update from the Diocese of Maciene on Mozambique’s devastating floods. Learn what happened, what communities in Maputo and Gaza are facing, and how the Church’s 90-day Hope Restored programme is helping 900 families with food, hygiene supplies, and seed kits.
In this holy season of Lent, we walk with Jesus through wilderness and suffering toward the hope of resurrection. I write to you from the Diocese of Maciene with deep gratitude for your prayers and generosity through the Mozambique Appeal. Your support is not distant charity. It is companionship and a sign that when one part of the Body of Christ suffers, the whole Church draws near with compassion.
What has happened
Since October 2025 Mozambique has endured a severe cyclonic season that culminated in catastrophic flooding across the southern region in January 2026. In just four days some areas received around 400 millimetres of rain. Rivers overflowed, communities were inundated, and the Government of Mozambique declared a National Red Alert.
According to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD), more than 720,000 people have been affected nationwide. We mourn the loss of more than 120 lives, with many others injured and some still missing. Tens of thousands of homes have been flooded, and many schools and health centres have been damaged. More than 160,000 hectares of agricultural land were submerged, placing food security at serious risk in the months ahead.
What we are seeing in the south
In Maputo City, Maputo Province and Gaza Province the impact has been especially severe. Thousands of families were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in temporary accommodation centres. In Gaza, often described as Mozambique’s breadbasket, large areas of farmland were submerged and many families lost their first harvest of the season.
Flooded drainage systems in parts of Maputo City have also increased the risk of water-borne disease, including cholera and malaria. Some communities remain cut off by rising rivers and damaged roads. Families are uncertain about how they will rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
Signs of grace and resilience
Even in the midst of hardship I have witnessed many signs of God’s grace. Families share what little food they have with neighbours. Women in community savings groups encourage and support one another. Parish leaders and church volunteers have opened their doors to shelter those who have nowhere else to go.
Many people have told us not only what they need to survive today but also what they hope for tomorrow. They long for the chance to plant again, to rebuild their homes, and to raise their children in safety and dignity.
How the Church is responding
Through Anglican Social Action (ASA), working with the Diocese of Lebombo and the Diocese of Maciene, and in coordination with local authorities, we are implementing a focused 90-day response programme called Hope Restored.
Our aim is to support around 900 families in the hardest-hit areas of Maputo City, Maputo Province and Gaza Province through three practical forms of assistance:
- Emergency food support to stabilise families in the immediate aftermath of flooding.
- Hygiene supplies and health awareness to reduce the risk of water-borne disease.
- Agricultural seed kits and training so families can replant for the next season and begin rebuilding their livelihoods.
We are giving particular attention to those most vulnerable. This includes primary caregivers of young children, pregnant women, older people and people living with disabilities.
At the same time, we remain committed to serving those most in need regardless of church membership. Aid distributions are organised in accessible locations during daylight hours. We also communicate clearly that assistance is free and never conditional.
Your Lenten gift makes a difference
Lent calls us to prayer, fasting and almsgiving as one movement of love. When you give to the Mozambique Appeal you help a mother feed her child today and help a family plant the seeds that will sustain them tomorrow.
If you are able, please continue to support the ALMA appeal during these remaining weeks of Lent. Please also share this update with your parish, friends and family. Every gift, large or small, helps restore dignity and hope.
May the Lord who calms the storm strengthen you with peace and bless all who are rebuilding their lives in Mozambique.
