Incomáti River Flooding Threatens Connectivity in Mozambique

The Incomáti River in Mozambique is rising significantly due to heavy upstream rains, threatening National Road Number One (N1) which connects Maputo to Gaza. Homes and agricultural areas in Magude are experiencing flooding. ARA-Sul urges caution near affected rivers and recommends vigilant monitoring of water levels.

Mozambique’s National Road Number One (N1) is facing a critical threat due to the substantial rise in the Incomáti River levels, particularly in the Incoluane area. This situation arises from heavy rainfall recorded upstream, causing the waters to approach dangerously close to the road that connects Maputo province with the rest of the country, separating it from Gaza.

Óscar Sibia, the director of the Incomáti Basin Management Division at the Southern Water Regional Administration (ARA-Sul), informed “Notícias” that numerous homes and agricultural fields in the Magude district are currently inundated. Local authorities are actively monitoring the situation and assessing the damage caused by the flooding. The latest ARA-Sul Hydrological Bulletin indicates that water levels in various basins, including Maputo, Madubula, Limpopo, Combomune, Chókwè, and Sicacate, are above alert levels, reflecting ongoing instability.

Furthermore, a rise in water levels has also been noted in the Limpopo basin, albeit the Macarretane area remains below alert levels. The current hydrological forecast predicts continued fluctuations, particularly rising levels in the Maputo, Incomáti, and Limpopo basins due to upstream runoff and locally recorded precipitation.

In light of these developments, ARA-Sul urges the public to exercise caution when approaching the Maputo, Incomáti, and Limpopo rivers, as the strong current poses an imminent risk to safety. The authorities emphasize the need for the community to remain vigilant and to consistently monitor hydrological updates provided by relevant entities.

In summary, the rising waters of the Incomáti River pose a significant risk to Mozambique’s infrastructure, particularly the vital N1 highway connecting Maputo and Gaza. With flooding affecting homes and agriculture in the Magude district, local authorities are on high alert. The Southern Water Regional Administration is advising the public to take precautions and stay informed about hydrological conditions.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com