What You Need to Know
Mozambican authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas of Inhambane, Gaza, and Sofala provinces to evacuate due to the risk of flooding. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reported a rising death toll and extensive damage from the current rainy season, which has affected nearly 900,000 people since October.
Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambican authorities yesterday called for the evacuation of populations in low-lying areas of Inhambane, Gaza and Sofala provinces, due to the risk of a second wave of flooding.
“We wanted to reinforce the appeals we have consistently made for people to leave low-lying areas, particularly those in the provinces mentioned [Inhambane, Gaza and Sofala], so that they remain vigilant and move out of these areas,” said Luísa Meque, president of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD).
She indicated that the authorities have already identified locations to accommodate people should it be necessary to open shelter centres in the affected areas.
Meque added that technical and multidisciplinary teams are mobilised in Inhambane and Gaza in southern Mozambique, and in Sofala in central Mozambique, to monitor the situation and reinforce preventive measures against flood risk.
The death toll during the current rainy season in Mozambique has risen to 279, with nearly 900,000 people affected since October, according to the latest update from the INGD.
According to the INGD database updated this Tuesday, two more deaths were recorded compared with Monday, with 892,273 people affected (an increase of 22,000 from the previous count) in the current rainy season, which continues until April. This represents 205,479 families, with 11 missing and 340 injured.
January floods alone caused at least 43 deaths, 147 injuries and nine missing persons, affecting 715,716 people in total. The passage of Cyclone Gezani in Inhambane on 13 and 14 February caused a further four deaths and affected 9,040 people, according to updated INGD data.
A total of 15,898 houses were partially destroyed, 6,305 completely destroyed, and 187,262 flooded during this rainy season. In total, 303 health units, 84 places of worship, and 722 schools have been affected over the past five and a half months.
The INGD data also indicates that 267,205 hectares of agricultural land were lost, affecting 342,227 farmers, and 531,058 animals, including cattle, goats and poultry, died.
In addition, 7,612 kilometres of roads, 45 bridges, and 261 aqueducts were affected during this rainy season.
Since October, the Mozambican disaster management institute has activated 155 shelter centres, which have housed 114,734 people. Of these, 25 centres remain active (five more in the past week due to recent flooding), accommodating at least 6,760 people, with 6,931 people having been rescued.
Mozambique frequently experiences severe flooding during the rainy season, which lasts from October to April. The country is prone to tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall, leading to significant humanitarian crises. The INGD plays a crucial role in disaster management, coordinating evacuations and providing shelter for affected populations. Historical data shows that flooding has consistently impacted agriculture, infrastructure, and public health in the region, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness.
