Rain keeps rivers above alert levels and increases the risk of flooding in the south of the country

The Limpopo and Save river basins remain on alert due to rising water levels, exacerbated by rainfall in the last 24 hours. This situation, which is already hindering the movement of people and goods and affecting agricultural areas along the riverbanks, is expected to continue for the next 48 hours, with flooding predicted in the lower reaches of both rivers.

Over the past 24 hours, the rain gauge network in the southern region recorded light to moderate rainfall, particularly at the Sábiè station in the Incomáti basin, where 38.0 millimeters of rain accumulated.

As a consequence of this scenario, the river basins of the Save and Limpopo rivers are experiencing significant fluctuations in water levels. While in Vila Franca and Massangena (Save basin) the levels remain above the alert level, in the Limpopo basin, the stations of Sicacate, Pafuri, Combomune and Chókwè are also registering worrying values. This behavior is due to the increased runoff from upstream regions, which has generated direct impacts on riverside agricultural areas and hampered traffic on the Chókwè–Guija road, particularly in the Caniçado and Chinhacanine sections.

Regarding the reservoirs, the most recent data indicate an increase in storage volume. The Pequenos Libombos Dam (BPL) is operating at 88.84% of its capacity, while Corumana and Massingir register 83.14% and 77.52%, respectively. Although Massingir has a higher discharge flow (641.03 m³/s) than its inflow (425.51 m³/s), the levels remain stable within operational parameters.

For the next 48 hours, weather forecasts and hydrological analysis indicate a continuation of the flooding scenario in the lower Save River, encompassing Machanga and Nova Mambone, and in the lower Limpopo River, specifically in Chókwè, Sicacate, and Xai-xai. Furthermore, the hydrometric stations of Pafuri, Combomune, Chókwè, Sicacate, Massangena, and Vila Franca may register a further rise in water levels, remaining above the alert level. Simultaneously, an increase in the filling of the BPL, Corumana, and Massingir reservoirs is expected.

Given this situation, ARA-Sul, IP, reiterates its appeal to the public to avoid crossing the Limpopo and Save rivers due to the risk of being swept away by the force of the water. The organization also recommends constantly monitoring the hydrological information released by the competent authorities.