Location: Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, and Sofala Provinces
Event: Until February 25, 2023, Mozambican authorities predict further flooding due to more forecasted rainfall and all dams in Mozambique full and past alert levels. Further flooding could also take place due to excess rains and potential discharges from dams in surrounding countries.
Authorities also highlight increased risk of flooding for the EN1, the country’s main highway which links Maputo City to the rest of the country. Such an event likely will also disrupt travel to Central and Northern Mozambique as well as traffic on roads and bridges particularly on the following routes:
- EN2 between the districts of Boane and Matola,
- EN3 near Goba Town,
- EN200 in the districts of Boane and Namaacha
- R402 in Moamba District
In Maputo City, officials issued a notice of a possible reduction in water supply in the city. Consumers have been requested to use water sensibly to limit the effect of reduced water supply.
With flooding expected to intensify in Southern Mozambique, its impact likely will be most pronounced in areas with poor and unstable infrastructure. This reduction in water supply could also impact the prevalence of waterborne diseases. As a result, individuals are advised to avoid flood water as it may be contaminated and lead to serious illness. Flooded water wells and other similar water sources should also be considered as contaminated.
Officials forecast above-average rainfall throughout much of the October-April rainy season in the central and southern parts of the country. Travelers – especially those moving in the central and southern parts of the country – are advised to keep up to date with weather and flood warnings from reliable sources.
Areas of risk include (until 25 February 2023):
Maputo Province – Boane, Magude Manhiça, Marracuene, Matutuíne, Moamba and Namaacha districts as well as Maputo and Matola cities
Gaza Province – Bilene, Chibuto, Chicualacuala, Chigubo, Chókwè, Chongoene, Guijá, Mabalane, Mandlakazi, Mapai districts as well as Xai-Xai city
Inhambane Province – Funhalouro, Govuro, Homoine, Inharrime, Inhassoro, Jangamo, Mabote, Morrumbene, Massinga, Panda, Vilankulo, Zavala districts as well as Inhambane and Maxixe cities
Manica Province – Bárue, Gondola, Guro, Macate, Machaze, Macossa, Manica, Mossurize, Sussundenga, Tambara, Vanduzi as well as Chimoio city
Sofala Province – Buzi, Caia, Chemba, Cheringoma, Chibabava, Dondo, Gorongosa, Machanga, Maringue, Marromeu, Muanza, Nhamatanda as well as Beira city
Actions to Take:
- Reconsider travel to the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, and Sofala until the flooding has dissipated.
- Monitor the local news for updates.
- Seek secure shelter.
- Follow directions from local officials and take other appropriate actions as needed.
- Visit the Tropical Storm Risk for updated storm tracking information.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Maputo
(+258) 84-095-8000
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Mozambique Specific Information
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