Heavy rain has wreaked havoc in southern Mozambique, leading to the tragic deaths of four individuals and affecting around 50,000 people. The National Department of River Basin Management reported that the casualties were caused by lightning strikes in Inhambane province.
The downpours have not only impacted southern Mozambique but have also affected central and northern regions of the country. The National Meteorological Institute predicts continued heavy rainfall in the northern region for the next 15 days, with coastal areas such as Zambézia, Sofala, Inhambane, Gaza, and Maputo expected to bear the brunt of the weather system.
As a response to the ongoing crisis, the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction has proposed declaring a red alert in the southern region. This measure aims to facilitate immediate assistance to those affected by the severe weather conditions and the aftermath of tropical storm Filipo.
The situation has been exacerbated by the outbreak of water-borne diseases and conjunctivitis, prompting the opening of 27 accommodation centers to shelter over 7,600 individuals. Prior to the recent heavy rainfall, the rainy season had already claimed the lives of 135 people and left 195 injured.
Furthermore, the heavy rain has left approximately 15,000 people without electricity in Maputo province and City, as well as in Gaza and Inhambane provinces. The impact of the weather on social and economic life in the region is significant, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated response efforts to mitigate further damage and provide relief to those affected.
