The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), through the Joint Operations Division deployed the South African Air Force (SAAF) to provide the rotary wing air support as part of Operation Chariot in Mozambique.
Mozambique is currently experiencing one of its worst flooding disasters triggered by heavy rains that began in mid-December 2025 and intensified around early January 2026.
Mozambique’s Southern and Central Provinces, such as Maputo, Gaza, Zambezia to name a few, have been amongst the hardest hit areas, destroying crops, causing severe damage to infrastructure and leaving thousands of families displaced.
SAAF Corporate Communication Officer, Major Lebogang Phakathi said the main mission of the SAAF is to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and provide humanitarian assistance in response to flood related disaster in the affected Southern and Central parts of Mozambique.
“On Tuesday, one Oryx, a medium-lift helicopter and two A109 Augusta light utility helicopters were deployed on an aerial reconnaissance mission to assess the extent of the damage and locate stranded civilians in the Palmeira area, in the Maputo Province.
“Despite adverse weather conditions, SA Air Force Aircrews executed successful rescue operations and managed to evacuate a total of 224 individuals from the flooded area to safety. This operation forms part of an ongoing disaster relief effort to support Mozambique during this humanitarian crisis,” said Phakathi.
He said the SAAF continued commitment and tireless efforts underscore South Africa’s enduring commitment to regional stability and cooperation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework.