The floods have impacted over 700,000 people, with more than half of those affected being children. Entire neighborhoods and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in emergency shelters.
Conditions remain severe, with further rain expected and dams reaching capacity. Humanitarian agencies warn of rising cases of malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and a high risk of cholera outbreaks due to contaminated water and limited sanitation access—highlighting the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts.
In the immediate aftermath of disasters, communication is crucial. It helps locate and assist those in need, coordinate rescue operations, and allows individuals to contact loved ones to confirm their safety. Recognizing this, the Vodafone Foundation’s highly trained INER volunteers are working alongside local authorities and humanitarian partners to restore free, reliable connectivity across affected regions.
The team has already met with Mozambique’s President, reconnected a school housing nearly 800 displaced people, and is actively identifying additional sites for intervention. Comprising volunteers from Mozambique, Germany, Portugal, and the UK, the team is committed to operating independently, ensuring their deployment does not strain local resources, from food to fuel.
Lisa Felton, Managing Director of Vodafone Foundation, expressed her support: “The flooding in Mozambique is devastating, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. Our INER volunteers are on the ground, working closely with officials and agencies to deliver critical connectivity that supports search and rescue efforts and helps families stay connected during this crisis.”
Justin Waller, Director of Emergency Response at Vodafone Foundation, added, “Despite challenging conditions, our team is working tirelessly. Reliable connectivity is vital—from supporting rescue teams to allowing individuals to let loved ones know they are safe. We are doing everything possible to speed up our response and support recovery efforts.”
INER is globally renowned for its rapid deployment during crises and its innovative approach to connecting communities in need. Beyond immediate response, the team is also focused on building resilience by training local communities to set up their own emergency networks, enabling faster, community-led responses in future crises.
Due to the ongoing flooding, Vodafone Foundation accelerated plans to establish a dedicated INER hub in Mozambique, working alongside local teams to set up this vital infrastructure while supporting current emergency operations.
In addition to deploying INER teams, Vodacom Foundation Mozambique is actively supporting affected communities. They are delivering 20 tonnes of food, essential medicines, and supplies to the Gaza region, fundraising for food hampers, and collecting items donated by employees for distribution at temporary shelters in Maputo Province.
The Foundation is also distributing 1,000 dignity kits with hygiene products to support women and girls in temporary accommodation centers, in response to an appeal from the First Lady. Furthermore, affected customers can access a free SOS package, including airtime, data, and SMS, to ensure connectivity remains accessible during this critical time.
Cristina Azevedo, Foundation Director at Vodacom Mozambique, emphasized the importance of connectivity: “In times of crisis, connectivity is a lifeline. While we work tirelessly to restore networks, the Vodafone Foundation’s INER deployment provides immediate, essential support for humanitarian operations. Through collaboration with authorities, partners, and the community, we are committed to protecting dignity, strengthening coordination, and supporting Mozambique’s recovery.”
As Mozambique faces ongoing challenges, Vodafone Foundation’s integrated response efforts exemplify how technology and partnerships can save lives and foster resilience in the face of disaster.
