At least 17,000 customers remain without electricity in the province of Inhambane, out of a total of 132,000 affected by the passage of the intense tropical cyclone Gezani. The information was released by Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), which indicates that it has already restored supply to 115,000 consumers.
In a statement quoted by Lusa, EDM explained that “Cyclone Gezani affected 132,000 customers,” adding that “the work of technical teams has allowed 115,000 customers to be reconnected so far.” There are still 17,000 consumers without power. The company assured that efforts are underway to normalize the situation.
The storm hit the province on Friday night (13) and caused considerable damage to the power grid. A total of 61 power poles were knocked down. Of these, 32 have already been replaced. There are still 29 to be replaced, according to updated data from EDM.
Technical teams remain on the ground to ensure that power is restored as soon as possible. Supply has already been normalized in the cities of Inhambane and Maxixe. The districts of Homoíne, Morrumbene, Massinga, and Funhalouro also have power again. The priority, according to the company, is to ensure stability in the service.
To ensure the functioning of essential services in the affected areas, emergency generators were activated. EDM also activated its emergency committee to manage the post-cyclone period. The measure aims to coordinate the restoration of damaged infrastructure. The goal is to reduce the impact on the population.
The company also warned of the need to take preventive measures during repair work, recommending that, during the power cut, all installations be considered to be permanently live. The guidance is intended to prevent accidents. EDM also stressed the importance of citizen cooperation.
Meanwhile, preliminary data from the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction indicate four deaths and two injuries in the province. About 500 people were affected. The cyclone partially or totally destroyed 1,262 homes. It also affected 738 students, 217 classrooms, 27 teachers, 100 schools, and 17 administrative buildings, as well as eight health facilities and two water supply systems.
The 16 accommodation centers opened to house 809 people have now been closed. The National Institute of Meteorology announced on Saturday that Cyclone Gezani no longer poses a threat to the country.
