London firefighters return from Mozambique flood rescue mission
London firefighters have returned home after a 10-day Mozambique flood rescue deployment, where they helped save dozens of people following what officials described as the worst flooding in a generation.
The six volunteers were part of a 36-strong UK International Search and Rescue team drawn from fire and rescue services across the country. During the mission, crews rescued more than 80 people from floodwaters and damaged buildings, while assisting with wider humanitarian operations.
London News — More from EyeOnLondon
Reporting shaping health, policy and public life across the capital.
Measles outbreak in north London
Health officials respond to rising measles cases in north London, urging vaccination and community vigilance.
Read: Measles outbreak in north LondonRecognised river swimming area on the Thames
A newly recognised stretch of the Thames raises questions about safety, access and water quality in London.
Read: Recognised river swimming area on the ThamesStrategic licensing policy to boost London hospitality
A proposed licensing shift aims to support London’s hospitality sector while balancing borough oversight.
Read: Strategic licensing policy to boost London hospitalityAcross southern Mozambique, heavy rainfall left an estimated 852,000 people affected or displaced. More than 200 deaths have been reported, according to the country’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management, as homes, roads and power lines were destroyed.
The UK teams worked alongside local responders, deploying rescue boats, drones and specialist equipment to clear debris, assess flood-hit areas from the air and carry out complex water rescues. Crews also helped transport nearly three tonnes of humanitarian aid and supported helicopter operations to reach isolated communities.
Ian Simpson, London Fire Brigade’s UK ISAR coordinator, said an elderly blind woman and a small child were among those rescued, describing the mission as a reminder of the importance of international response work. Firefighter Sarah Mimnagh, who was deployed to Maputo, said hundreds of people had been trapped by rising floodwaters, with many communities cut off for days.
The operation was funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which supports overseas disaster response deployments. UK Minister for Development Jenny Chapman said the teams’ work had helped ensure life-saving assistance reached areas that would otherwise have remained inaccessible.
The firefighters have now returned to the UK as recovery efforts continue in Mozambique.
For more reporting on UK humanitarian response and global disaster relief, follow EyeOnLondon for clear, independent coverage.
[Image Credit | London Fire Brigade]
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
