Mozambique is bracing itself for more heavy rain and potential flooding, with the National Meteorology Institute (INAM) issuing a warning for southern parts of the country. Acácio Tembe, a meteorologist at INAM, has predicted that areas such as Gaza, Inhambane, and Maputo could experience between 30 to 50 millimeters of rain in just 24 hours.
The forecast indicates that the weather will deteriorate from Friday night onwards, with the possibility of continued rain throughout the weekend and into Monday. This comes after the region was hit by intense rainfall on the 24th and 25th of March, with some areas receiving up to 300 millimeters of rain in just 48 hours.
Tembe has emphasized the importance of increasing vigilance and disseminating information to alert those living in at-risk areas. The soil in southern Mozambique is already saturated from the previous heavy rains, leading to concerns about potential flooding and further displacement of people.
“We are very concerned about the situation, as many people have already been forced to leave their homes. While we cannot predict the exact impact of the upcoming rains, our forecasts suggest that they will be significant and could worsen the conditions in the southern provinces,” Tembe stated.
As Mozambique prepares for the impending weather conditions, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise.