13.01.2026 10:00
Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, who was born in 2000 during the great flood disaster in Mozambique while her mother took refuge in the top of a tree, and became known as the "miracle baby," passed away at the age of 25 due to a long-fought illness.
Rosita, who became one of the symbolic figures of the great flood disaster in Mozambique in 2000, passed away due to a long-term illness she had been battling. President Daniel Chapo described Rosita as a symbol for girls in the country in his condolence message.
THEY WAITED FOR DAYS ON TOP OF A TREE
The event, recorded as one of the most devastating flood disasters in Mozambique's history, occurred in February 2000 when the Limpopo River in the south overflowed, leading to a humanitarian crisis in which hundreds lost their lives and hundreds of thousands were forced to leave their homes. During this period, Rosita's mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, climbed a tree with her two small children as the waters rapidly rose, and along with a group of 15 people, they waited for four days at the top of the tree, hungry and thirsty, to be rescued.
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It was reported that Carolina gave birth on the tree due to labor pains that began early Wednesday morning, and shortly after, a South African military helicopter conducting a rescue operation in the area spotted the mother and baby. The moments when the mother and newborn were pulled up and rescued from the submerged area were recorded by television cameras, and the footage became one of the iconic images of the disaster. After the incident, it was stated that the mother and daughter Rosita were invited to the United States in late 2000, where they contributed to raising awareness about the flood disaster by speaking in Congress.
HE PASSED AWAY AFTER A LONG-TERM ILLNESS
Rosita's sister, Celia Salvador, confirmed the news of her death on Monday morning, stating that her sister had passed away after a long-term illness. According to family sources, Rosita had been battling anemia for years. After her condition worsened, Rosita was hospitalized for more than two weeks and passed away on Monday morning.
"MY GOD, THIS IS VERY BAD NEWS"
President Daniel Chapo expressed in his condolence message, "My God, this is very bad news. I extend my condolences to the grieving family and all the people of Mozambique, especially to the girls of Mozambique." It was noted that Rosita grew up in Chibuto, the rural area where she was born, and completed her high school education.
Rosita's death, who was recorded to have given birth to a baby girl five years ago, has also brought the criticisms of the country's healthcare system back to the forefront. Political analysts emphasized that this loss should serve as a warning to address the inadequacies in the healthcare system, which is said to suffer from a lack of essential medicines and equipment. Chibuto Mayor Henriques Machava announced that they were in contact with the family for funeral preparations and that the costs of the ceremony would be covered by the municipality.