Mozambique: Flooding continues across Cabo Delgado as death toll rises Apr. 28 /update 5

Event

Flooding continues in northern Mozambique due to the passage of Cyclone Kenneth as of Sunday, April 28, and is expected to worsen in the coming days. An estimated 700,000 have been affected by the storm and at least five people were killed in Cabo Delgado province. Pemba received an estimated 43 cm (17 in) of rain as of Sunday and further rain may result in localized totals in the area of 60 cm (24 in). Floodwaters in downstream areas are expected to continue to rise in the coming days. Approximately 35,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and floodwaters has destroyed or blocked many roads in the province. Flooding is expected from Nacala (Nampula province) to the Tanzanian border, with the worst effects predicted for Pemba and areas to the north. Power and telecommunication outages are expected to continue in the coming days and widespread transportation disruptions are likely to similarly persist.

Context

Kenneth made landfall north of Pemba (Cabo Delgado province) the evening (local time) of Thursday, April 25. At the time of landfall, it was a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane-equivalent with sustained winds of 220 mph (140 mph). It is the first recorded storm of hurricane-strength to hit Cabo Delgado province.

Mozambique is still recovering from Cyclone Idai, a catastrophic storm that hit the center of the country in March. Idai killed over 1000 people and affected 3 million people in total across the region.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate further flooding, telecommunication and power outages, and widespread transportation disruptions, including damaged roads and flight disruptions, ensure adequate food, water, and medical supplies, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.