Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo has canceled his World Economic Forum appearance in Davos this week to address catastrophic flooding that's displaced hundreds of thousands nationwide. 🌍💔
"Our place is with our people," Chapo declared in a Facebook post, prioritizing disaster response over global diplomacy. The president emphasized Mozambique's commitment to international partnerships but stressed that saving lives is "the absolute priority."
Torrential rains since mid-December 2025 have turned entire provinces into disaster zones, with Gaza, Maputo, and Sofala hit hardest. UN agencies report over 400,000 affected residents—a number expected to rise as rivers continue to overflow. 🚨
Regional allies are stepping up: South Africa deployed air force helicopters for rescue missions while battling floods in its own northeast. Kruger National Park temporarily closed due to submerged roads, highlighting the crisis' cross-border impact. 🚁🌧️
Scientists warn these intensifying storms—fueled by warming Indian Ocean waters—could make such disasters the new normal for southeastern Africa. As climate patterns shift, leaders face growing pressure to balance global engagement with local emergencies.
