Worst floods in a generation spark cholera fears in Mozambique

The Gaza provincial capital of Xai-Xai and the nearby agricultural town of Chokwe have been submerged, with only the tips of the roofs of buildings visible in some areas.

The tourist town of Marracuene, north of the capital, Maputo, is surrounded by water and effectively cut off.

Authorities and aid groups have warned of potential cholera outbreaks in the aftermath of the destruction.

The acute diarrhoeal infection thrives in unsanitary conditions found after natural disasters, where survivors have no access to clean water and basic hygiene.

A team of 36 firefighters and rescue workers from the UK have joined international efforts to save people from the waters.

The teams are working in Maputo province and in Xai-Xai, north of the flood area.

Neighbouring South Africa has also seen heavy rains and deaths from flooding, with the celebrated Kruger National Park suffering tens of millions of pounds of damage.

Roads and bridges were washed away in one of the country’s biggest visitor attractions, while staff and tourist accommodation was destroyed, and the damage was so severe it is expected to take years to fully recover.

Hundreds of tourists and staff were evacuated from flood-stricken areas of the park, which is roughly the size of Wales.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security