Malawi, Mozambique: Recovery efforts ongoing in Malawi and northern Mozambique as of Jan. 27 following the passage of Tropical Storm Ana /update 1

Recovery efforts ongoing in Malawi and Mozambique Jan. 27 following the passage of Tropical Storm Ana. Power outages and damage reported.

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in Malawi and northern Mozambique following the passage of Tropical Storm Ana as of Jan. 27. Ana made landfall in Mozambique's Nampula province as a moderate tropical storm Jan. 24, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds as it tracked westwards across northern Mozambique and southern Malawi before dissipating Jan. 25.

In northern Mozambique, authorities have confirmed 19 fatalities. More than 2,700 houses have been destroyed and more than 7,000 other houses damaged. Authorities have set up eight evacuation shelters in Zambezia Province and another two shelters in Tete Province. Power outages have been reported in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Zambezia provinces due to damage to the main power line. The bridge over the Rovubue River connecting Tete Sede and Moaztize in Tete Province has collapsed. The road connecting Nampula Sede and Angoche in Nampula Province is impassable due to the flooding of the Luazi River. Several roads were flooded, and two bridges were destroyed between Mocuba and Lugela districts. Licungo River in Zambezia Province has overflowed, causing moderate to high floods in Mocuba, Maganja da Costa, and Namacurra districts.

Heavy downpours associated with the storm system have affected Malawi since Jan. 23. At least 11 deaths have been reported in Blantyre, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Mwanza, and Neno districts. Power outages are ongoing in Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe, and Thyolo districts and parts of Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Mwanza, and Zomba districts. The main highway is impassable due to the flooding of the Shire River. Authorities have declared a state of disaster for all districts in Southern Malawi affected by the floods and heavy rain.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain across affected areas as responders continue their efforts; utility disruptions are likely over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other basic goods are possible. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.