The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a red alert after tropical storm Gezani developed into a tropical cyclone, which is expected to mainly affect the provinces located in southern Mozambique.
“Tropical storm Gezani has developed into a tropical cyclone over the Mozambique Channel and is accompanied by average winds of 120 kilometers per hour, maximum gusts of up to 165 kilometers per hour, heavy rains, thunderstorms, and may cause rough seas and waves up to 12 meters high,” it said in a statement.
The agency indicated that the system continues to move towards the province of Inhambane, urging precautionary measures to be taken in view of the strong winds and heavy rains. “The phenomenon could cause rainfall of over 200 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, mainly in the districts of Govuro, Inhassoro, Vilankulo, Massinga, Morrumbene, Homoíne, Panda, Inharrime, Jangamo, Zavala, the city of Maxixe, and Inhambane,” it reiterated.
Rainfall of between 50 and 100 millimeters is also forecast, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, for the province of Sofala, especially in the districts of Machanga, Búzi, Nhamatanda, and the cities of Dondo and Beira. Gaza is also expected to be affected, particularly in the districts of Mandlakazi, Chongoene, Chibuto, and Chigubo.
The National Directorate for Water Resources Management (DNGRH) warned that around one million people could be affected by the tropical storm, adding that the bad weather is also expected to hit 1,600 health facilities and 600 kilometers of the power grid.
However, in view of this scenario, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) and the National Emergency Operations Center (CENOE) revealed that the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (CTGD) has activated early cyclone response measures for the province of Sofala, as well as for the entire southern region.
In a statement, the entities clarified that national hydro-meteorological forecasts indicate that the passage of Gezani will affect the coastal districts of the provinces of Sofala, Inhambane, and Gaza, in addition to placing the coastal basins of Inhambane, Mutamba, Save, Limpopo, and putting the Incomati and Umbelúzi basins at moderate risk.
Updated data from the INGD indicate that since the beginning of the rainy season in October, 844,000 people have been affected throughout the country, with 153 deaths and 254 injuries recorded. Given the seriousness of the situation, the government declared a national red alert on January 16, and there are currently 77 accommodation centers in operation, housing 76,251 displaced people.
Since January 7, 229 health facilities, 316 schools, and five bridges have also been damaged. In the agricultural sector, the floods affected 440,842 hectares of crops, of which 275,405 were reported as lost, affecting 314,780 farmers. An estimated 408,115 head of livestock, including cattle, goats, and poultry, have also been killed.
