MAPUTO – Authorities in Mozambique were – on Friday – still dealing with the effects of heavy rains that left the country’s province of Maputo flooded.
Local sources reported that at least 2,400 families were affected. Storms and heavy rain affected the city of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, and surrounding areas of Maputo Province on February 9 2023.
Local media reported that heavy rain caused flooding in the city of Maputo, the suburb of Matola, and the nearby Boane district in Maputo Province.
Roads were cut off and houses damaged. A collision between a train and road vehicle in Matola municipality was blamed on poor visibility and severe weather. Heavy rain caused several houses to partially collapse in the Ferroviário neighbourhood of Maputo city.
One person is said to have died in a flooded house in the FPLM neighbourhood of the city. It is thought the victim was electrocuted after power cables came into contact with flood water.
More flooding is expected in Maputo Province as water from flooded rivers in South Africa and Eswatini makes its way downstream.
Local media said around 24,000 people are expected to evacuate from the lower areas of the Incomati and Umbelúzi rivers in Maputo province.
On February 9, Aguas do Sul-the government agency responsible for operating dams in the country, said it started to increase discharges at the Pequenos Libombos dam, situated near Muguene.
The agency said heavy rainfall in South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique had increased flows of the Maputo, Umbelizi and Incomati rivers. Aguas do Sul said some areas of South Africa recorded 300 mm of rain in 24 hours to February 9, while Goba in Maputo Province recorded 98.5mm of rain and Calichane, also in Maputo Province, saw 165.6mm.
- Agencies
