Intense rains, dam discharges push southern Mozambique to maximum flood alert

Southern Mozambique has been placed on maximum flood alert following persistent heavy rainfall and increased water discharges from major dams, local authorities said on Wednesday.

MAPUTO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Southern Mozambique has been placed on maximum flood alert following persistent heavy rainfall and increased water discharges from major dams, local authorities said on Wednesday.

In Gaza Province, the situation is particularly severe after heightened releases from the Massingir Dam. Authorities warned that the large volumes of discharged water have significantly increased the risk of flooding along the Limpopo Valley and its tributaries.

Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Water Resources Fernando Rafael said the dam had reached its maximum storage capacity, making the opening of emergency spillway gates unavoidable. He warned of a high flood risk in both low-lying and urban areas and urged residents in vulnerable zones to evacuate immediately.

Margarida Mapanzene Chongo, governor of Gaza Province, said it remains difficult to determine the number of people affected, as several communities have been cut off by overflowing rivers, hampering rescue and assessment efforts.

According to the National Emergency Operations Center, authorities have deployed multi-sectoral teams to reinforce evacuation and humanitarian assistance operations.

Flood risks have also intensified in Maputo Province, where movement across the Umbeluzi River bridge in Boane District has been restricted due to rising water levels linked to heavy rains and dam discharges. In Inhambane Province, communities along the Save River remain on high alert amid warnings of unpredictable water flows.

Authorities cautioned that the combination of persistent rainfall and upstream discharges could further worsen flooding risks in the coming days. ■