ARA-Sul warns of rising water levels and risk of flooding in Chókwè

Following severe weather in southern Mozambique, the Southern Regional Water Administration (ARA-Sul) issued a statement warning of the increased risk of flooding in the Limpopo River basin. This measure is due to the significant increase in flow from upstream, through the Limpopo, Nwanetsi, Shinguedzi, and Elefantes rivers.

According to a statement from ARA-Sul, IP, this situation will cause water levels to rise at the Combomune, Chókwè, and Sicacate hydrometric stations. It is expected that the levels will remain above the alert threshold, worsening the existing floods.

As a direct consequence, several low-lying areas and critical infrastructure may be affected. The main anticipated impacts include worsening flooding in riverside areas and retention basins, with particular attention to the towns of Incoloane, Gueleguele, Chaimite, Muianga, Chiduachine, Sangene, and Sicacate. Furthermore, there is a risk of flooding at the confluence of the Elefantes and Limpopo rivers, where the water flow could breach the Machua dike, threatening the low-lying areas of the villages of Djodjo and 25 de Setembro, and extending to districts 2 and 5 of the city of Chókwè.

Given this scenario, ARA-Sul is appealing to the public and the relevant authorities to adopt urgent precautionary measures. It is essential to avoid crossing rivers and to immediately remove people and equipment from the banks, which are at risk of being swept away by the strong current. The authorities also recommend that the public constantly monitor hydrological updates released by official entities.