Floods isolate Xai-Xai and increase the number of displaced people

The city of Xai-Xai is once again facing a critical situation due to the rising water levels of the Limpopo River, which is causing flooding and seriously compromising the circulation and normal life of the population.

The Wenela road, known locally as "pavê," has once again become impassable after the banks collapsed near the bridge, caused by the force of the water flow. The road, which serves as an alternative to National Road Number One (N1), had recently been reopened after damage caused by previous floods, but it could not withstand the new pressure of the water.

With the closure of this road, mobility has become almost exclusively dependent on the N1, although there are fears that the continued rise in water levels could also affect this important road, with possible repercussions at the national level.

According to the president of the Municipal Council, Ossemane Adamo, the number of displaced people continues to grow. Around 3,500 people have already left the affected areas, seeking refuge in safer locations, while another thousand remain in the lower zone, considered to be at greater risk.

Although some areas, such as the city center, are not yet fully flooded, many residents are choosing to remain in their homes. Authorities assure that basic services continue to function, but acknowledge concerns related to the security of belongings due to the risk of theft.

The downtown commercial area was heavily affected, with businesses practically destroyed. Merchants removed their products and transferred their activities to the upper part of the city, which, however, does not have sufficient capacity to accommodate all the local economic activity. It is estimated that around 600 commercial units are impacted.

After recent signs of recovery following the floods in January, the city is now facing a setback again. Authorities indicate that this new wave of flooding could last more than a week.

However, there is a difference compared to the recent past: the population is showing more cooperation in the evacuation process, which is proceeding more quickly and in a more organized manner.

Even so, the situation remains worrying, with water levels rising continuously. Authorities warn of the risk of the situation worsening, especially if National Road Number One (N1) is affected.

The Municipal Council is calling for the immediate evacuation of people still in the low-lying area and is reinforcing the warning to avoid any contact with the floodwaters, which are considered dangerous. It should be recalled that in January, there were fatalities associated with risky behaviors such as swimming or fishing in flooded areas.