Rainfall keeps levels high in the South

The Limpopo and Maputo river basins in the southern region of the country continue to show water levels above the alert level, a result of the rainfall recorded in recent hours. The situation is already impacting riverside areas and hindering the movement of people and goods, with the forecast predicting further deterioration in the next 48 hours.

Over the past 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall has been recorded in the Incomáti and Save river basins. In Manhiça, 30.6 millimeters were recorded, while in Vila Franca do Save the accumulated rainfall reached 12.6 millimeters.

In the Limpopo River basin, the Sicacate, Combomune, and Chókwè stations continue to register fluctuating water levels, remaining above the alert level. This situation is already impacting riverside agricultural areas and hindering the movement of people and goods on the Chókwè-Guija, Caniçado, and Chinhacanine roads.

In the Maputo River basin, a rise in water levels was recorded in Fronteira Oeste (77.0 cm), exceeding the alert limit due to runoff from upstream regions. On the other hand, the Madubula (13.0 cm) station, in the same basin, and the Pafuri (197.0 cm) station, in the Limpopo basin, showed significant rises, although they remain, for now, below the alert level.

Given the weather forecasts and the current hydrological situation, flooding is expected to continue in the lower Limpopo region, particularly in Chókwè, Sicacate, and Xai-Xai. The hydrometric stations in Pafuri, Combomune, Chókwè, and Sicacate may maintain levels above the alert level, while a continuous rise in water levels is expected in the Maputo basin (Western Border and Madubula).

ARA-Sul is urging the public to take precautionary measures when traveling near the Limpopo and Save rivers, due to the risk of being swept away by the force of the water. The institution also recommends constantly monitoring the hydrological information released by the competent authorities.