Malawi, Mozambique: Recovery efforts ongoing as of March 15 following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Gombe /update 1

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in southern Malawi and northern Mozambique following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Gombe as of March 15. Gombe made landfall in Mozambique's Mogincual District, Nampula Province, as an intense tropical cyclone early March 11, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds as it tracked westwards across northern Mozambique and southern Malawi before dissipating March 13.

In northern Mozambique, authorities have confirmed 15 fatalities and at least 50 injuries across Nampula Province, as well as two deaths, and one missing person in Zambezia Province. At least 100,000 people have been affected by the storm across Nampula and Zambezia provinces. Nearly 12,000 houses have been destroyed and around 11,000 people have been accommodated in 25 emergency shelters established across the affected provinces. Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM), the state power company, said 23 districts in Nampula Province have been affected by power outages, impacting around 300,000 people. Water supply disruptions have also been reported in Nampula city. The bridge connecting Mulela and Nabur to Pebane village in Zambezia Province has collapsed due to heavy rain, isolating more than 32,000 residents in Mulela and Nabur. A bridge over the Mutacaze River between the districts of Mogovolas and Angoche in Nampula province has also collapsed following the storm. Flooding has also been reported in Cuamba and Mecanhelas districts in southern Niassa province, with the main road between the two districts cut off after being inundated by floodwaters.

In Malawi, at least four deaths have been reported in Machinga District and two others confirmed in Mangochi District due to flooding and walls collapsing. Reports indicate that flash floods are affecting portions of Mulanje District; authorities advise residents to avoid the Midima-Mulanje Road and utilize the Thyolo-Mulanje Road instead due to the risk of flooding during heavy rains. Rain has been affecting Nsanje District since March 12; some residents have moved to higher ground for safety. The Chikwawa-Nsanje road is impassable at Bereu and Sekeni in Chikwawa District, isolating Nsanje District. The Zomba-Phalombe road is also damaged. Authorities have evacuated some communities in Thyolo District after the Thunga Dam spillway collapsed amid fears that a complete collapse of the dam could flood communities downstream.

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.

Resources

Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services
Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Facebook
Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (Portuguese)
Mozambique National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) Facebook