Mozambique: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Maputo city and province as of Feb. 14 /update 1

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Maputo and the surrounding Maputo Province as of Feb. 14. Heavy rainfall in the region and upstream areas of South Africa and Eswatini since Feb. 8 has caused river levels to rise across parts of southern Mozambique and triggered widespread flooding. As of early Feb. 14, authorities have reported seven flood-related fatalities; two others have been seriously injured and three more are missing. Nearly 38,000 people have been affected by the flooding and around 14,000 are being housed in ten emergency accommodation centers established across Maputo City and Boane, Matola, and Namaacha districts of Maputo Province. The flooding across the affected area has damaged more than 7,000 homes, 15 schools, and 15 health centers. The Provincial Delegation of the National Roads Administration (DPANE) has reported that several roads have been made impassable in areas near Matola, Boane, Goba, Catuane, and Moamba. The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has forecast further light-to-moderate rainfall across the region over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

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

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, 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.

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.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm transport reservations and business appointments prior to travel. Confirm medical appointments. Make allowances for localized travel delays, as well as potential supply chain disruptions. Do not drive on or through flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.