Mozambique: Further flooding forecast in Nampula and Cabo Delgado as death toll rises to 38 April 29 /update 6

Event

Heavy rain and further flooding are forecast in Nampula and Cabo Delgado provinces in the coming hours and days due to the passage of Cyclone Kenneth. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) has raised the death toll to 38 killed as of Tuesday, April 29. At least 30,000 houses have been destroyed or damaged during the passage of the storm, notably in the districts of Ibo, Macomia and Quissanga in Cabo Delgado, and floodwaters have also destroyed or blocked many roads in affected areas. Floodwaters in downstream areas are expected to continue to rise in the coming days. On Sunday, April 28, authorities urged people living near rivers to move to higher ground.

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.