The National Institute of Meteorology (Inam) on Wednesday issued a new red warning for central and southern Mozambique, including the capital, Maputo, owing to the forecast of very heavy rain until midnight on Friday, 16 January.
According to Inam, the country could face rainfall of more than 100 millimetres in 24 hours, accompanied by severe thunderstorms and strong winds. The alert covers the provinces of Manica, Sofala, Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo, with immediate precautionary and safety measures recommended for people in these regions.
Maputo, in particular, is experiencing what the authorities already describe as the worst rainy season in recent years, with serious flooding in peripheral neighbourhoods, caused by almost uninterrupted rainfall since December and by rising river flows, aggravated by releases from dams in Mozambique and neighbouring countries.
In view of the worsening conditions, the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) ordered the evacuation of people from low-lying areas in the provinces of Gaza and Maputo. It is estimated that around 400,000 people may have to be evacuated, particularly in Gaza, where the risk of flooding is highest.
The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, publicly expressed solidarity with the affected communities, acknowledging significant human losses and material damage.
Since the start of the current rainy season in October and up to the present, at least 94 deaths have been recorded across the country, a number that has been rising in recent weeks.
The authorities remain on alert and appeal for community vigilance and cooperation with evacuation plans for as long as the adverse weather conditions persist.
