Mozambique: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northern and central regions as of March 22

Event

Flooding triggered by heavy rainfall only days after the passage of a major tropical cyclone is causing further disruptions across parts of central and northern Mozambique as of March 22. Authorities reported two fatalities on the outskirts of Beira amid significant flooding in parts of Sofala Province March 20. Heavy rainfall also washed away a section of the EN1 highway, the main road linking the north and the south of the country, between Nicoadala and Namacurra in Zambezia Province March 19. Recovery work to repair the road is ongoing, but it is not yet clear when traffic will be able to resume and the closure is causing the north of the country to be largely isolated from the south. Mozambique's National Institue of Meteorology has forecast further rainfall and thunderstorms in northern and central regions through at least March 25, which could lead to further disruptions and flooding, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall.

The severe weather in recent days follows the passage of Tropical Cyclone Gombe, which has caused flooding and disruptions across the region after making landfall in Nampula Province as an intense tropical cyclone early March 11 and tracking westward across northern Mozambique and southern Malawi before dissipating March 13. As of March 22, authorities have reported 57 fatalities associated with Gombe, 53 of which occurred in Nampula Province and four in Zambezia Province. At least 80 other people have been injured. The storm has affected over 400,000 people across Nampula and Zambezia provinces. As of March 22, around 11,500 people in Nampula Province are still being accommodated in emergency shelters. More than 45,000 homes have been totally destroyed, over 30,000 partially damaged. Thousands of health centers, schools, and electricity poles have also been destroyed and nearly 1,000 km (620 miles) of roads have been damaged, leading to many areas being cut off.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. 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 are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around 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 flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) (Portuguese)