Mozambique: Heavy rainfall causes flooding in parts of Maputo and surrounding Maputo Province as of March 24

Transport and business disruptions will likely affect parts of Maputo and surrounding Maputo Province over the short term after heavy rainfall and flooding were reported in both regions on March 24. Flooding has affected several neighborhoods in the capital, including in the downtown area, as well as parts of Matola, Maputo Province. The floodwaters had reportedly blocked access to banks and other institutions in Maputo, inundated several local houses, and impeded traffic on various streets, including Avenida 25 de Setembro. No casualties were immediately reported in connection with the flooding. Authorities will likely provide updated casualty and damage assessments over the coming days.

As of March 24, Mozambique's National Institute of Meteorology (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, INAM) had forecast that locations across Maputo Province would receive additional rainfall through at least March 25, with locally heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity possible in some areas, including along the coast. INAM added that light-to-moderate rainfall would likely continue to impact coastal areas of the province into March 26. No weather alerts or warnings were in effect in Mozambique as of March 24. 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.