Heavy rains raise river levels and fill dams in the south of the country

The intense rainfall that has fallen in the last 24 hours over the southern region of the country is causing a significant rise in water levels in the Incomáti, Limpopo, and Save rivers. The increased flow, combined with water flowing down from neighboring regions, is already pushing some basins above the alert level and accelerating the filling of the main reservoirs. The Southern Regional Water Administration (ARA-Sul) is urging the public to exercise extra caution and avoid crossing the rivers in the coming days.

Over the past 24 hours, Maputo province was the hardest hit by the downpours. In the Incomáti basin, the Manhiça region recorded rainfall considered "very heavy," with 138.5 millimeters of accumulated rain, while Sabié received 31 millimeters. The situation was also alarming in Limpopo, where Pafuri (64.7 mm) and Chókwè (36.0 mm) experienced heavy rainfall, and in the Save basin, notably with 47 millimeters recorded in Massangena.

The volume of rain has already been felt in the riverbeds. There is increased concern in the Save River basin (near Vila Franca and Massangena), the Inhanombe River basin (in Mubalo), and the Limpopo River basin (in Sicacate, Combomune, and Chókwè), where water levels have risen sharply and remain above the alert level.

Elsewhere, the rise is being monitored, but is still within safe parameters. This is the case for the Umbelúzi River (Boane and Movene), the Maputo River (Western Border and Madubula), and the Incomati River (Ressano Garcia and Moamba). In the Limpopo basin, in Pafuri, the level rose 31 centimeters, but is still below the alert level.

The storm brought relief to the region's water reserves. The Massingir dam, the largest in the region, is receiving a flow of 468 cubic meters per second and is already operating at 71.12% of its total capacity. Levels are even more encouraging at the Pequenos Libombos Dam (BPL), which is at 81.91%, and at Corumana, which has already exceeded 80% capacity.

ARA-Sul predicts that the trend will continue over the next 48 hours. The forecast indicates an increase in the volume of dams and a rise in river levels in the coastal basins of Inhambane, Save, and the lower Limpopo, encompassing the regions of Sicacate, Xai-Xai, and Chókwè.

Given this scenario, ARA-Sul makes a strong appeal to the population: it is essential to avoid crossing the Inhanombe, Limpopo, and Save rivers, as the force of the water can be deadly. The recommendation is for everyone to constantly follow the official information released by the competent authorities.