SANDF aircrews rescue nearly 500 people as Mozambique battles severe flooding
A South African Air Force helicopter conducts rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Mozambique as part of Operation CHARIOT.
Image: SANDF
The South African National Defence Force has rescued 479 people from flood-stricken areas in Mozambique as part of ongoing humanitarian operations following severe flooding in the southern and central regions of the country.
The South African National Defence Force says it remains actively engaged in humanitarian and rescue operations in Mozambique after severe flooding displaced thousands of families and damaged critical infrastructure.
The SANDF has deployed specialised personnel and equipment under Operation CHARIOT in support of regional disaster relief efforts.
Caption: A South African Air Force helicopter conducts rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Mozambique as part of Operation CHARIOT.
Image: SANDF
“Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate stranded residents from flood-affected areas, with air assets playing a critical role in reaching isolated communities and ensuring rapid evacuation,” said SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Selinah Rawlins.
According to the SANDF, the South African Air Force has deployed one Oryx helicopter and two Agusta 109 light-utility helicopters, which have been used to airlift victims to places of safety.
Rawlins said Operation CHARIOT aims to save lives, evacuate people at risk and provide humanitarian assistance in close cooperation with the Mozambican government, emergency rescue teams and disaster management agencies.
Earlier this week, IOL reported that search and rescue operations are continuing in southern Mozambique for Andile Mngwevu, the Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, who remains missing after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters.
Mngwevu was reported missing after the car he was in was overtaken by fast-moving floodwaters in the Chokwé area, following days of heavy rainfall that have caused widespread flooding in parts of Mozambique.
The City of Ekurhuleni said search efforts had been intensified, with the SANDF deploying helicopters to assist Mozambican authorities in locating distressed people following the devastating weather.
MMC for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, is missing after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters in Chokwé, southern Mozambique.
Image: Supplied
According to the city, there were five occupants in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Authorities have since managed to establish contact with one survivor, while the whereabouts of Mngwevu and the remaining occupants remain unknown.
Ekurhuleni officials said South African authorities were working closely with their Mozambican counterparts, with diplomatic support also being coordinated through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Mngwevu’s family has travelled to Mozambique as the search continues. The city has appealed for privacy and restraint, urging the public and media to avoid speculation while rescue teams continue their work.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News