By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Heavy rain is forecast to continue falling in Maputo until at least next Monday, according to the National Meteorological Institute (INAM).
The rain is largely the result of a system of low pressure over the southern provinces, which has brought torrential rains and thunderstorms.
Much of the low-lying parts of the Mozambican capital, is now under water, inundating the homes of many thousands of residents. Severe soil erosion is undermining homes, and threatening to collapse them into ravines.
Matters have been made worse by the approach of tropical cyclone Dudzai. Although the cyclone is still over the Indian Ocean, a long way from the Mozambican coast, its influence is adding to the stormy weather.
Dudzai is likely to hit Mauritius on Tuesday, as it barrels towards the coast of Madagascar.
But by then there may already be serious flooding in the southern province of Gaza. The main river in the province, the Limpopo, is likely to burst its banks, threatening the major urban centres of Gaza, such as Choke and Xai-Xai.
The Mozambican relief agency, the National Disaster Management Institute (INGD), says it has eight boats and 700 litres of fuel pre-positioned along the Limpopo Valley.
The INGD says it has broadcast early warning messages through community radios and mobile units, which have reached over 93,000 people.
The publicly owned rail company, CFM, announced on Thursday that it has suspended all trains along the Limpopo line. This is the railway running from Maputo to the border with Zimbabwe. Rail traffic will remain suspended until further notice. (MT)
