The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) warned on Thursday, February 12, that Severe Tropical Storm Gezani, currently in the Mozambique Channel, could develop into a tropical cyclone and enter the country on Friday, February 13, through Inhambane Province in the south.
“Moderate Tropical Storm Gezani has intensified into a severe tropical storm in the Mozambique Channel. This system continues moving toward the coast of Inhambane Province, with average winds of 100 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h,” the institute said in a statement cited by Lusa.
According to reports, at least 36 people have died in Madagascar due to Cyclone Gezani, which struck the country forcefully on the night of Tuesday, February 10.
Current projections indicate that the system could evolve into a tropical cyclone, with average winds of 140 km/h and maximum gusts up to 240 km/h by Friday. “The phenomenon may cause rainfall exceeding 200 mm, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, especially in the districts of Govuro, Inhassoro, Vilankulo, Massinga, Morrumbene, Homoíne, Panda, Inharrime, Jangamo, Zavala, and the cities of Maxixe and Inhambane.”
Rainfall between 50 and 100 mm, with thunderstorms and strong winds, is also expected in Sofala Province, mainly in the districts of Machanga, Búzi, Nhamatanda, and the cities of Dondo and Beira. Gaza Province will also be affected, particularly in the districts of Mandlakazi, Chongoene, Chibuto, and Chigubo. Authorities have urged public and private entities to take precautionary measures, avoid flood-prone areas, refrain from crossing riverbeds, and ensure drainage channels are clear, while continuously monitoring hydrological updates via daily bulletins or alerts.
The National Directorate of Water Resources Management (DNGRH) warned that about one million people could be affected by the storm, and up to 1,600 health units and 600 km of power grid may be impacted.
In response, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD) and the National Emergency Operations Center (CENOE) reported that the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Management (CTGD) has activated early cyclone response measures for Sofala Province and the entire southern region.
A statement from the authorities highlighted that national hydro-meteorological forecasts indicate that Gezani will impact coastal districts in Sofala, Inhambane, and Gaza provinces, placing the coastal basins of Inhambane, Mutamba, Save, and Limpopo at high risk of flooding, while the Incomati and Umbelúzi basins are at moderate risk.
Updated INGD data show that since the start of the rainy season in October, 844,000 people nationwide have been affected, with 153 deaths and 254 injuries recorded. Due to the severity of the situation, the government declared a national red alert on January 16. Currently, 77 accommodation centers are active, housing 76,251 displaced persons.
Since January 7, floods have damaged 229 health units, 316 schools, and five bridges. In agriculture, floods affected 440,842 hectares of crops, with 275,405 hectares lost, impacting 314,780 farmers. Livestock losses are estimated at 408,115 animals, including cattle, goats, and poultry.
Source: Diário Económico
