The South African Air Force (SAAF) used three helicopters to help neighboring Mozambique rescue 759 people during flooding in early 2026.
The SAAF Search and Rescue team took action after heavy rains fell in January across Mozambique and the northern part of South Africa. The team operated an Atlas Oryx and two A109 helicopters.
“This mission formed a critical component of the broader disaster relief effort undertaken in response to the emergency situation that affected thousands of civilians,” Maj. Lebogang Phakathi reported for the SAAF.
After the search and rescue operation, the Mozambican government, the SAAF, humanitarian organizations and partners provided food, clean water and temporary shelters to affected communities. SAAF aircraft helped ensure that food was delivered safely.
“Although floodwaters are slowly receding, the scale of destruction remains immense,” the SAAF said. “Support will be required not only to restore immediate stability but also to fully recover and rebuild what has been ruined by the flood disaster. Severe damage to crops and livestock has left many families without sources of income, and the task of rebuilding livelihoods will demand time, significant resources, and sustained cooperation across institutions and communities.”
Two SAAF helicopters also were activated for flood relief in South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The rescues included people from game lodges trapped by floodwaters.
By the end of January, the flooding had killed more than 100 people in Southern Africa and displaced hundreds of thousands, The Guardian reported. More than 70 people died in Zimbabwe, 30 in South Africa and 13 in southern Mozambique.