Mozambican maritime authorities (ITRANSMAR) have suspended shipping in the Mozambique Channel due to the torrential rain that has pummelled the country since Friday.
All shipping activity has been suspended, including the services of artisanal fishing vessels and other small boats, coastal passenger transport and recreational vessels.
Radio Mozambique reported on Sunday that the suspension was temporary during the stormy weather.
ITRANSMAR ordered that all ships at sea call into safe ports and reminded all vessels that the use of life jackets was compulsory, even when shipping was considered safe and authorised.
Local authorities warned of flooding in the country’s southern and central river basins.
The Southern Regional Water Board (ARA-Sul) increased its discharges from the main dams in Maputo province (the Pequenos Libombos dam on the Umbeluzi River, and the Corumana dam on the Sabie River).
The discharges from the Pequenos Libombos will be up to 120 cubic metres per second, while the flow from Corumana will hit up to 50 cubic metres per second. Storms further north could also lead to flooding in the basins of the Maputo, Umbeluzi, Incomati, Save and Limpopo rivers.
Storms have already caused severe damage in Inhambane province, where homes have been flooded, and agricultural fields have been submerged in Inhambane city, Maxixe and Vilanculo.
National Disasters Management Institute (INGD) chairperson Luisa Meque said three million people could be affected by flooding this rainy season.
