Mozambique is bracing for more floods after the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) issued a red alert on Thursday for extremely heavy rainfall in the country’s central and southern regions, including Maputo. The alert runs until the end of Friday, but the damage is already visible in many areas.
The rain isn’t letting up, with some places expected to see more than 50 millimetres in a single day, and totals may go beyond 100 millimetres in the worst-hit areas. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also expected, making the situation even more dire.
Mozambique Southern Areas are Highly Impacted
Central and southern provinces are in the danger zone, with districts in Manica and Sofala in central Mozambique, as well as Inhambane, Gaza, and Maputo in the south, affected. INAM has urged people to stay alert and take basic safety measures, but for many families, options are limited.
Roads are flooded, yards are under water, and some homes are no longer safe to stay in. Officials admit this rainy season has been one of the worst in recent years in Maputo city, with flooding hitting several neighbourhoods, especially on the outskirts of the city.
Situation Remains Dare
The situation is worsening by the day, with rivers swollen and dams releasing large volumes of water, pushing levels even higher. Drainage systems have struggled to cope, and evacuations have been ordered in low-lying areas.
The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) expects significant impact in Manica, Tete, Sofala, Inhambane, Gaza, and Maputo city and province. For some families, it’s not the first time they’ve had to leave their homes this season.
Hundreds of thousands are at risk in Gaza, with the National Directorate for Water Resources Management warning that as many as 400,000 people could face compulsory evacuation if floods continue to rise.
Emergency Personnel Remains on High Alert
Emergency teams are monitoring dams and rivers closely, but officials say the situation could change quickly if the rain continues. The death toll has risen to at least 94 people across Mozambique since the rainy season began in October.
President Daniel Chapo has expressed sympathy with families affected by the floods, acknowledging the loss of life and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
The situation remains dire, with more rain forecast and many communities on edge.
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