Mozambique: Floods - Feb 2023

Between 7-10 February, heavy rains reaching up to 100 mm in 24 hours hit the southern region of the country, causing widespread flooding in Maputo city and Maputo province. According to the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD), the rain already affected some 30,605 people (5,721 families), displaced 422 people, and killed four people. Five accommodation centres have been established that are currently hosting 422 people.

According to preliminary data from authorities, eight houses have been partially destroyed and 4,286 have been flooded, while five health units and 13 schools across the province have been reportedly damaged by the rain. Power cuts have been reported in all the areas affected – particularly around the basins of the rivers Maputo, Incomáti, and Umbelúzi – where the alert level has been reached. Movement across the region has also been curtailed. The Provincial Delegation of the National Roads Administration (DPANE) reported that the roads N2 (Matola/Boane), N3 (Impaputo/Goba), R408/CrzR407, CrzR407/CrzN3, N200, R406 (Salamanga/Catuane), R402 (Moamba/Sabie), and NC (Mazambanine/ETA) are currently impassable.

The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) warned that heavy rains and strong winds will continue to hit the southern provinces of the country, possibly for the next 14 days. Authorities estimate that an additional 53,000 people could be affected as a result of weather conditions combined with water releases in dams further upstream. Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation and mobilising to support government-led efforts. (OCHA, 11 Feb 2023)