The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) issued a yellow alert on Wednesday (21) due to the approach of a tropical depression in the Mozambique Channel, which is expected to worsen the emergency situation already in place in the south of the country, where widespread flooding and besieged populations have been reported.
According to RTP, the weather warning, valid until the end of today, warns of the possibility of “moderate to heavy rain and strong winds, with gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour,” which could cause rough seas with waves up to four meters high. INAM also forecasts additional gusts in the coastal districts of the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, and Inhambane.
The intensification of the rains comes at a critical moment in the rainy season, with 114 fatalities, six people still missing, 99 injured, and almost 680,000 affected, according to updated data from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD).
Between October 1, 2025, and January 19 of this year, 677,831 people were affected, corresponding to 141,818 families, of which 11,367 saw their homes partially destroyed and 4,910 completely devastated. The worsening situation led the government to declare a nationwide red alert last Friday.
Due to persistent heavy rainfall and the resulting rise in water levels, around 40% of Gaza province is submerged, while several districts in Maputo province remain flooded. The N1 and N2 roads remain impassable, preventing the movement of people and goods to the north and south of the country, respectively.
In response to the emergency, the Mozambican authorities have set up a national coordination center at Xai-Xai Airport, led by government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa.
Rescue operations, heavily hampered by weather conditions, are continuing this Tuesday, involving a dozen aircraft. Some families remain isolated in flooded areas, taking refuge on the roofs of their homes.
Material damage includes 318 schools, 56 health facilities, 44 places of worship, seven bridges, 27 aqueducts, 2,515 kilometers of damaged roads, and 193 fallen electricity poles. In addition, 61,627 animal deaths have been reported, including cattle, goats, and poultry.
The authorities warn that the situation could worsen in the coming hours if the weather forecasts are confirmed, calling on the population to follow the recommendations of the technical services and to remain vigilant in areas at risk.
