23 Feb 2018 | 08:04 AM UTC
Mozambique: Deadly summer rains continue
As of February 22, summer rains in Mozambique leave at least 50 people dead since October 2017; additional flooding possible in the coming weeks
Event
Summer rains and their effects left at least 50 people dead in Mozambique between October 2017 and late February 2018. The rains have prompted flooding throughout the country, affecting some 130,000 people and destroying 7200 homes. Additional rain and consequent flooding, with associated damage and transportation disruptions, are likely across Mozambique over the coming weeks as the rainy season continues.
Context
Among the 50 deaths were those of 17 people killed in Maputo on February 19, when a garbage pile collapsed and covered seven houses.
The annual rainy season in Mozambique generally extends from October to March; flooding is a regular occurrence during this period. Recent flooding in Mozambique has been exacerbated by a drought that has affected large swaths of southern Africa over the last few years, as the dry, compact soil in the region has absorbed rainfall less effectively than normal.
Advice
All those present in the affected regions of Mozambique are advised to monitor developments to the situation, follow any instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders), and anticipate travel disruptions. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
