On February 23, 2006 CE, an earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.0, struck the Machaze region of Mozambique. This was one of the most significant earthquakes in southern Africa in recent decades and caused damage in the region. The event was a notable disaster for the country.

The 2006 Machaze earthquake is a significant event in the history of Mozambique and is documented in scientific and historical accounts. The disaster inspired contemporary poems and stories that reflected on the power of nature and the resilience of the people. The earthquake is a notable example in the literature of Mozambique, where it is used to explore themes of environment, identity, and the constant threat of catastrophe.