Starlink, Vodacom bring hope to flood-hit Mozambique

Space X and Vodacom have stepped in to keep responders and affected communities connected after severe floods destroyed telecommunications infrastructure in Mozambique. The intervention complements the Economic Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), an agency that connects humanitarian workers in crisis situations. These provide open, password-free connectivity for responders and affected communities.

Vodacom, the mobile operator, has also deployed four connectivity kits in accommodation centres in Boane, Bobole, Manhiça and Maraccuene in the Maputo province. Following the disruption of electricity supplies, ETC reports that most United Nations agencies and the command centre for aid operations have been operating on generators due to unstable power supply, although restoration efforts are progressing. Affected communities have set up improvised charging stations in accommodation sites.

Komi Amedjonekou ICT emergency coordinator for ETC, said the newly-established Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster would continue supporting the response. “Additional telecommunications equipment will be deployed if further gaps are identified,” the official said.