Drones have joined search and rescue and disaster assessment operations in Mozambique, in the aftermath of recent flooding that has destroyed homes, property and displaced over 700,000 people – one of the worst in recent history.
The floods have also destroyed over 440,200 hectares of agricultural land where most crops were between vegetative and reproductive growing stages.
The drone operation was financed and supported by the African Development Bank Group through the Korean Trust Fund and its partners. The drone operations are part of the Drone-Based Disaster Management Project launched in April last year by the Bank Group, the Government of Mozambique, and Busan Techno Park (BTP).
Launched in October the project established a drone training centre in Mozambique and deployed drone-based monitoring and emergency response across five flood-prone zones.
A response team composed of government officials and Korean experts, began drone missions in Gaza Province last week, covering districts that included Chókwè and Guijá to identify stranded residents and stream their positions in real time to emergency coordinators.
Sadly, the pictures the drones are returning are painting a bleak situation. The scale of destruction is severe, with Gaza Province being the hardest hit. The provincial capital, Xai-Xai, is largely submerged, and widespread damage to road links has cut off entire areas, preventing ground rescue teams from reaching affected communities.
Drone operations began after high-level coordination meetings on January 26.
“This initiative represents a pivotal moment in our national strategy as we develop a skilled national workforce capable of leading disaster response with confidence and autonomy,” said the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga.
“By putting this technology into action, Mozambique is ensuring it can better protect its communities during the most severe climate-driven emergencies.”
To ensure this programme remains a permanent pillar of Mozambique’s emergency response network, the project donated nine drones (four training drones and five solution drones), which will enable the Government to monitor high-risk areas effectively as environmental conditions evolve.
Twenty trainees, including disaster agency staff and security forces, have completed the drone training and are now flying missions alongside Korean specialists.
“The Bank is deeply engaged at this critical moment to help ease immediate suffering,” Rômulo Corrêa, the African Development Bank’s Resident Representative in Mozambique.
“Our priority is to ensure that emergency teams have the tools and information they need to reach people quickly and save lives. By moving from training into active drone operations, we are delivering real-time data that shortens response times and connects isolated communities with urgent assistance.
“In the longer term, this approach will also strengthen Mozambique’s resilience to future disasters.”
Drones can transform emergency response by making rescue operations faster, safer, and more efficient. They can be deployed quickly to reach flooded or inaccessible areas, and by providing clear aerial imagery, help responders prioritise rescue efforts, plan access routes, and better coordinate operations with authorities. They also support recovery efforts by identifying damaged infrastructure and monitoring high-risk areas as conditions evolve.
“This flood response in Mozambique is an example of how the results of the drone-based disaster management project were immediately applied in an actual crisis,” said Kim Hyeong-kyun, President of Busan Technopark.
“Busan Technopark will continue to play a role as a global partner that carries out technology-based international cooperation and public responsibility.”
This deployment marks a transformative shift in how Mozambique confronts climate adversity by integrating advanced technology with local expertise, the partners reckon. Through the drone initiative, the African Development Bank and the Government of Mozambique are combining disaster response with institutionalising resilience.
This partnership will also reportedly ensure that Mozambique is equipped with the foresight and tools to protect its people, economy, and future.