Southern Brazil remains vigilant: rivers are above alert levels and roads are closed

Despite the absence of rain in the last 24 hours, several river basins in southern Mozambique remain at high levels due to upstream runoff. Forecasts for the next 48 hours indicate a gradual decrease, but authorities maintain the alert and urge the population to exercise caution.

Over the past 24 hours, the rain monitoring network has not recorded any rainfall in the southern region. However, the rivers in the Maputo, Incomáti, Limpopo, and Save basins remain above alert levels, fed by the volume of water arriving from upstream areas.

Of particular note is the 26 cm rise recorded at the Vila Franca do Save station. The remaining basins show fluctuations, but with a general downward trend, remaining below alert levels.

The storage levels of the main dams show considerable volumes:

·       Corumana Dam: 83.66% of its capacity;

·       Massingir Dam: 63.75% of its capacity;

·       Pequenos Libombos Dam (BPL): 78.80% of its capacity.

Forecasts indicate continued high water levels, but with a downward trend at all monitoring stations. However, the situation continues to have significant impacts on the road network, with several roads closed.

Maputo and Umbelúzi Basins: Interruptions in the administrative post of Catuane – Tinonganine, Mafuiane and Mazambanine.

Incomati Basin: Several sections interrupted, including Xinavane-Magude and Sabie-Magude.

Limpopo Basin: Overtopping of the protective dikes continues in Chókwè, Guijá and Macarretane, leaving numerous roads impassable, such as Chókwè–Guijá and Guijá–Chibuto.

Given this scenario, the Southern Regional Water Administration (ARA-Sul, IP) is appealing to the general public to maintain precautionary measures, especially near the Maputo, Incomáti, and Limpopo rivers, due to the risk of being swept away by the force of the water. The entity reinforces the importance of constantly monitoring the hydrological information released by the competent authorities.