The government, in coordination with the Technical-Scientific Commission on Climate Change (CTCMC), has approved a contingency plan worth 43.3 million meticals to mitigate the impacts of the 2024-25 rainy season. The budget will be allocated to the Health, Education, Agriculture, Roads and Energy sectors, with funding provided by the Executive and partners.
According to Agência de Informação de Moçambique, of the total amount, 17.7 million meticals will go to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), while the Health, Education and Agriculture sectors will receive 3.1 million, 8.3 million and 11 million meticals respectively. Another 3.2 million meticals will be allocated to the Delegation of the National Institute for Social Action (INAS).
CTCMC spokesman Amós Maúre said at a press conference that the weather forecast for the coming season points to normal rainfall with an above-normal trend, especially between October and March. The estimated rainfall varies between 200 and 300 mm in the first period (October to December) and 300 to 400 mm in the second (January to March), with the possibility of cyclones.
Maúre warned of the potential impacts on the most vulnerable sectors, such as agriculture, health and education. According to the spokesman, both excess and shortage of rain could severely affect agricultural production.
The health sector also faces an increased risk of spreading diseases such as malaria, due to the proliferation of mosquitoes in wet areas. Infrastructure such as schools and roads could also be damaged.
The contingency plan also includes recommendations from the CTCMC to assist disaster victims, including those displaced by terrorism in Cabo Delgado. Among the actions planned are the reinforcement of prevention measures and the implementation of rapid responses to minimise the damage caused by extreme weather events.
The previous rainy and cyclonic season was marked by intense rains, which resulted in floods affecting 49,761 people and causing the destruction of homes, schools, health centres and access roads. The government hopes that the measures adopted this year will help reduce the impacts and protect the most vulnerable communities.
