In Nampula province, officials reported a tragic incident where a boat carrying around 130 people sank. Only five individuals were rescued. They were fleeing a cholera outbreak, according to Nampula Secretary of State Jaime Neto, with many children among the casualties.
The boat sank due to overcrowding and being unfit for passengers, Mr. Neto explained. There's unverified footage circulating on social media showing numerous bodies on a beach.
The boat was traveling from Lunga to Mozambique Island, but unfortunately didn't make it. Nampula province has been hit hard by the cholera outbreak, which has been affecting several countries in southern Africa since last year.
This outbreak is the worst in 25 years, according to Unicef. Mozambique alone has reported 13,700 confirmed cases and 30 deaths since October 2023.
In addition to the health crisis, there's an ongoing Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado province, causing thousands of casualties and displacing nearly a million people in over six years.
Mozambique Island, formerly the capital of Portuguese East Africa during colonial rule, boasts a rich history and colonial architecture. It's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance as a trading post.
In March, tragedy struck when an illegal fishing vessel wrecked near a southern beach, claiming at least one life.
Despite vast natural gas discoveries in Cabo Delgado since 2010, offering hope for economic advancement in a country where nearly two-thirds of the population lives in poverty, progress has been hindered.
Since 2017, an insurgency led by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group has disrupted stability and development efforts. With over 5,000 casualties and nearly a million people displaced, the conflict continues to devastate communities.
