The National Directorate of Water Resources Management (DNGRH) has issued a warning regarding a moderate risk of flooding in the Maputo River basin, following an increase in water discharged from the Pongolapoort Dam in South Africa.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 11 November, the DNGRH reported that the dam raised its discharge rate to 700 cubic metres per second on 8 November, a situation that could impact Mozambique within 48 hours of the alert.
The agency anticipates that during this period, the flow of the Maputo River will continue to rise, potentially reaching peak levels and heightening the risk of flooding, particularly in agricultural areas located along the riverbanks.
Moreover, the rising water levels may also affect road connectivity in the towns of Catuane, Salamanga, and Tinonganine.
In light of these developments, the DNGRH advises communities residing near the river to refrain from crossing the watercourse or entering inundated areas, especially within agricultural regions.
Where crossing is imperative, the agency recommends that the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) organise the safe transportation of residents between riverbanks using boats, provided safety conditions are assured.
The DNGRH has committed to closely monitoring the releases from the South African dam and the water levels in Madubula, promising to provide updates as the hydrological situation evolves.
