Data from the National Institute for Management and Reduction of Disaster Risk (INGD) has shown that as of 12 February, no fewer than six people have now died, following the flooding and heavy rain in the city of Maputo, Mozambique’s capital and the province that surrounds it.
According to figures from the World Meteorological Organization, over 400 mm of rain was recorded at the weather station in Mavalane in Maputo, in a 24-hour period to 08 February 2023. Since then heavy flows from flooded rivers upstream in South Africa and Eswatini have made their way into the Maputo, Incomati and Umbelúzi river systems in areas of Maputo province. Authorities began releases from the Pequenos Libombos dam after it reached capacity.
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According to reports, a total of 36,700 people have now been affected by the flooding, including over 16,000 in Maputo City and over 14,000 in Maputo Province. Two people have been seriously injured and 3 people reported missing.
Around 7,300 homes, 15 schools and 15 health centres have also reportedly been damaged. INGD opened 10 emergency accommodation centres in Maputo, Boane, Namaacha and Matola. As of 12 February the centres were housing around 13,700 people.
INGD said that it is providing assistance to the victims, guaranteeing food and non-food goods, in addition to providing health services. The Provincial Delegation of the National Roads Administration (DPANE) reported that several important roads were impassable in areas near Matola, Boane, Goba, Catuane and Moamba.
Story was adapted from Floodlist.
