Mozambique: Further disruptions likely in coming days following heavy rainfall, flooding in Maputo, as of March 26 /update 1

Further transport and business disruptions are likely in the cities of Maputo and Matola and the Maputo Province in the coming days as emergency services continue operations following heavy rainfall, as of March 26. The disruptions follow a heavy rainfall episode March 23-25, which caused heavy flooding across neighborhoods in the capital, including in the downtown area of Maputo. The floodwaters had reportedly blocked access to banks and other institutions in Maputo, inundated several houses, and impeded traffic on various streets, including Avenida 25 de Setembro. At least two persons were killed, and thousands were reportedly displaced.

As of March 26, flooding is still reported in urban areas, with travel through Maputo's CBD still disrupted; the Ports and Railways of Mozambique Company (CFM) has halted operations on its southern lines due to damages to its infrastructure. On March 25, Electricity of Mozambique (EDM) reported that 15,000 customers were without electricity in the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, and Inhambane; it is unclear how many remain without power. Mozambique's National Institute of Meteorology (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, INAM) has forecast further light rainfall in the coming days, but has removed weather alerts. Officials will likely update their forecasts over the coming hours and days.

Additional rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Further urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some additional roadways, bridges, or rail networks impassable, impacting overland travel in affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and track inundation.